Amid the growing tension that continues to affect the Holy Land and the broader Middle East, the Latin parish of St. Peter in Jaffa offered a message of faith and hope. On Sunday, June 16, at the end of the Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the parish priest, Fr. Augustin Pelayo Viguera, imparted a blessing with the Blessed Sacrament, facing the city.
At a time when the ongoing war with Iran continues to cause pain and uncertainty, the Christian community of Jaffa has chosen to respond through prayer, adoration, and an appeal for peace.
"On June 13 we were supposed to celebrate the feast of St. Anthony, but unfortunately it was not possible due to the outbreak of war with Iran. As long as it was safe, we held Mass with a few parishioners present, but by last Thursday the bombings had become intense and heavy. The shockwaves from the missiles also hit our convent, though the damage was not serious. The same happened to some of the homes of our faithful and members of other Christian denominations. The real miracle is that there were no injuries or fatalities. St. Anthony protected us," said Fr. Augustin.
On Sunday, he asked his parish community—made up of faithful from various nationalities—to “stay home and only come to church for confession and to receive Communion privately, by appointment. Group celebrations or activities are not allowed because we cannot guarantee safety,” the friar explained.
Fr. Augustin did not limit his efforts to the celebration of the Eucharist alone. That morning, he had invited parishioners—via the parish chat used to share prayers and announcements—to remain at home and join in a spiritual moment of adoration. At noon, when the church bells rang, everyone was encouraged to light a candle, kneel, and receive a Eucharistic blessing from a distance. The blessing was imparted by the friar from the parish terrace, facing the city. It was a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture to ask for God’s protection over the people and to invoke peace: “May blessings, not missiles, come down from heaven,” said Fr. Augustin.
The gesture was inspired by Saint Clare of Assisi, who is often depicted holding a monstrance, recalling the miracle by which—according to tradition—she saved the city of Assisi from destruction. “It was a moment that gave us a little hope and comfort,” the priest shared, “and helped to ease the anxiety we carry in our hearts during these difficult times.”
Lucia Borgato
Source: Agenzia SIR, article dated June 22, 2025
https://www.agensir.it/mondo/2025/06/22/guerra-israele-iran-jaffa-tel-aviv-la-benedizione-eucaristica-di-p-pelayo-dal-cielo-solo-benedizioni-non-missili
