The second day of the Custody Chapter began with a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa , O.F.M.
The readings (from the book of Exodus, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel of John) were taken from Pentecost. In the Custos ’ homily, he offered some punctual comments on the readings, highlighting how the Holy Spirit is able to revitalize and give force to every human situation, even the most difficult. The Holy Spirit is he who unifies our communication, dialogue, and the walk toward a common goal. With the force of the Holy Spirit the Friars can discover and love their own vocation.
After the Holy Mass, the first morning session began during which the Custos gave his report to the chapter members. The report revolved around three principal aspects of the life of the Custody of the Holy Land: 1) the faith life (living according to the form of the holy Gospel), 2) the fraternity (considering the brothers as a gift of the Lord), and 3) the Missions. After examining these three themes, the Custos concluded by making some important observations for the life of the Custody and by giving his thanks. After the communication the chapter members had the opportunity to ask the Custos questions. The fraternal dialogue permitted us to deepen and understand better important aspects in our lives.
At the end of the morning session the chapter members joined the Friars of the Bethlehem community for the daily procession to the Nativity Grotto . In the afternoon, before the reports a DVD was given as a gift to all the chapter members. It was prepared by the Custody of the Holy Land in 10 languages, and it deals with our Franciscan presence in the holy sites. Then the reports were read. The first report was that of the Custody Secretariat for Formation and Studies, Fr. Noel Muscat, who gave a synthesis of the work carried out by the various vocational animators, and by the Friars involved in the successive stages of formation (from postulancy to permanent formation). He also underlined some of the bigger challenges for the future. The second report was given by the Secretary for Evangelization, Fr. Arturo Vasaturo. After recalling the theological principles upon which evangelization is based, he distinguished between evangelization ad intra and ad extra. He then indicated the guidelines for missionary evangelization in the Custody of the Holy Land, in the parishes, in the schools, and in interreligious dialogue. He concluded with some practical suggestions for a better functioning of the same Secreteriat.
Following the report was that of the Schools of the Holy Land in Palestine and in Israel, under the supervision of Fr. Halim. Starting with an analysis of the current state of the situation, he then gave a look to the future by elaborating on projects that will yield solutions to some of the challenges. After a pause the Custodial Vicar, Fr. Artemio Vitores, gave a report on the Secretariat for Holy Sites. In order to improve our service to the Holy Sites, he indicated what has been accomplished, as well as what remains to be done regarding animation and communication, the celebrations in the sanctuaries, the booklets for the faithful for the liturgical celebrations, sacred music, and sacred art. At the conclusion of his intervention, he gave Father Athanasius Macora time for a brief exposition of the work of the Commission for the status quo.
In the evening after dinner, a preview was shown of the DVD which was given as a gift to all the chapter members. The viewing of the DVD was very well received, especially the high technical quality, as well as the scientific content.
The readings (from the book of Exodus, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel of John) were taken from Pentecost. In the Custos ’ homily, he offered some punctual comments on the readings, highlighting how the Holy Spirit is able to revitalize and give force to every human situation, even the most difficult. The Holy Spirit is he who unifies our communication, dialogue, and the walk toward a common goal. With the force of the Holy Spirit the Friars can discover and love their own vocation.
After the Holy Mass, the first morning session began during which the Custos gave his report to the chapter members. The report revolved around three principal aspects of the life of the Custody of the Holy Land: 1) the faith life (living according to the form of the holy Gospel), 2) the fraternity (considering the brothers as a gift of the Lord), and 3) the Missions. After examining these three themes, the Custos concluded by making some important observations for the life of the Custody and by giving his thanks. After the communication the chapter members had the opportunity to ask the Custos questions. The fraternal dialogue permitted us to deepen and understand better important aspects in our lives.
At the end of the morning session the chapter members joined the Friars of the Bethlehem community for the daily procession to the Nativity Grotto . In the afternoon, before the reports a DVD was given as a gift to all the chapter members. It was prepared by the Custody of the Holy Land in 10 languages, and it deals with our Franciscan presence in the holy sites. Then the reports were read. The first report was that of the Custody Secretariat for Formation and Studies, Fr. Noel Muscat, who gave a synthesis of the work carried out by the various vocational animators, and by the Friars involved in the successive stages of formation (from postulancy to permanent formation). He also underlined some of the bigger challenges for the future. The second report was given by the Secretary for Evangelization, Fr. Arturo Vasaturo. After recalling the theological principles upon which evangelization is based, he distinguished between evangelization ad intra and ad extra. He then indicated the guidelines for missionary evangelization in the Custody of the Holy Land, in the parishes, in the schools, and in interreligious dialogue. He concluded with some practical suggestions for a better functioning of the same Secreteriat.
Following the report was that of the Schools of the Holy Land in Palestine and in Israel, under the supervision of Fr. Halim. Starting with an analysis of the current state of the situation, he then gave a look to the future by elaborating on projects that will yield solutions to some of the challenges. After a pause the Custodial Vicar, Fr. Artemio Vitores, gave a report on the Secretariat for Holy Sites. In order to improve our service to the Holy Sites, he indicated what has been accomplished, as well as what remains to be done regarding animation and communication, the celebrations in the sanctuaries, the booklets for the faithful for the liturgical celebrations, sacred music, and sacred art. At the conclusion of his intervention, he gave Father Athanasius Macora time for a brief exposition of the work of the Commission for the status quo.
In the evening after dinner, a preview was shown of the DVD which was given as a gift to all the chapter members. The viewing of the DVD was very well received, especially the high technical quality, as well as the scientific content.