A new window was inaugurated on 23 June in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, a gift from the "Fazenda da Esperança", a Brazilian community for the recovery of those suffering from addicion.
The Basilica of the Annunciation hosts a variety of artistic expressions from all over the world which are representations of the Virgin of Nazareth in different cultures. Each representation is a piece of the history of faith. On Saturday 23 June a new window was inaugurated in the Basilica of the Annunciation.
This new window by the glassmaker Lorenz Heilmair, in collaboration with Br Pedro Pinheiro came from Brazil, brought by Fazenda da Esperança it and represents the yes of Mary but also the mercy of God. Friar Hans, founder of the Fazenda da Esperança, blessed the new stained glass window in the presence of Br Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, Mgr Mario Rino Sivieri, Fr Bruno Varriano, rector of the shrine and several priests.
The day began with the celebration of Mass in the Upper Basilica. The group also had the opportunity to take part in the Angelus in the Grotto of the Annunciation.
According to the Custos of the Holy Land, the window recalls "the mystery of the Incarnation in the perspective of Mercy, because it reminds us that God has approached us to save us and asked for the free, personal, and voluntary collaboration of the girl from Nazareth who is the Virgin Mary."
Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm
Custos of the Holy Land
Fr Hans of the Fazenda da Esperança made a wonderful gesture, as he wanted to give this window to the Basilica of Nazareth with the idea of placing under the mantle of Mary, queen and mother of mercy, all those who need it most. It is also important to remember that when we obtain mercy, we learn to be merciful. This is how we become perfect as our Father is perfect in mercy.
Br HANS STAFEL, ofm
Founder Fazenda da Esperança
We celebrate the 35th anniversary of the foundation and today we leave a stained glass window that speaks of the many graces we received from Our Lady. It is like saying thank you and entrusting to her all the youth and humanity that is without hope.
NELSON GIOVANELLI
Founder Fazenda da Esperança
What happened two thousand years ago is not a fairytale, it is a reality that is updated every time a young family member comes into contact with the fazenda and with the charism because the Word is incarnated again in their lives.
La Fazenda Esperança, a recovery community for those suffering from addiction that has today 3,000 members and has welcomed more than 30,000 young people in the 130 communities around the world.
The emotional mood continued until the evening, with the traditional torchlight procession presided over by Br Bruno Varriano.
Br BRUNO VARRIANO, ofm
Rector and Guardian Basilica Annunciation
The stained glass window from the Fazenda da Esperança depicts humanity visited by God. A humanity that experiences mercy. We have had contacts with these wonders and for this reason this day is very important for us, because once again God's plan becomes reality. Nothing is impossible for Him. And here again we can touch the joy of the Incarnation of the Word through the joy of these young people, the joy of the religious who have received the gift. Today the presence and faith of these young people visited Nazareth once again
