In the Basilica of the Annunciation, the last of the official entrances of the Custos of the Holy Land, Br. Francesco Ielpo, took place. The celebration in Nazareth follows those of recent weeks in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, thus completing the cycle of solemn entrances into the three jubilee basilicas of the Holy Land, the Holy Sepulchre, the Nativity and the Annunciation.
The solemn entrances represent a centuries-old tradition of the Custody, a sign of the bond between the new Custos, the local Christian communities and the places of Gospel memory. In Nazareth, the focus is on the mystery of the Incarnation, preserved in Mary's home.
In his opening greeting, the Custos thanked the religious and civil authorities present and addressed words of closeness to the Christian community of Nazareth. He recalled that Mary's "yes", pronounced according to tradition in this place, changed the history of salvation.
"God never imposes, but waits for a free and trusting response", he emphasized, inviting the faithful to become guardians not only of Mary's "yes" but also of that of every person, promoting and accompanying each one's vocation. The invitation was addressed not only to those present but ideally to the entire Christian community, so that it may be a source of mutual support and encouragement.
The homily of the Mass drew inspiration from an archaeological discovery in Nazareth by Father Bellarmino Bagatti, on the base of a column was found the inscription "Kaire Maria" – "Rejoice, Mary" – considered the oldest testimony of the Hail Mary.
The Custos explained that the angel's invitation to joy shows that God's plan is always directed toward the good and happiness of humanity, even when it does not coincide with personal plans. Mary experienced suffering, from exile in Egypt to the Cross, yet she continued to say "yes" with trust, finding in the certainty of God's love the source of her joy.
"Christian joy is not the absence of pain", he said, "but the certainty of always being loved". He encouraged the faithful to renew their "yes" each day, discovering a greater and more surprising plan than they could imagine.
The day concluded in the evening with a torchlight procession through the streets of Nazareth. At 8:30 p.m., the Custos, together with the Franciscan friars and the community, prayed the rosary in procession, starting from the Basilica of the Annunciation.
The light of the candles accompanied the walk, creating a moment of communal recollection and public witness of faith. The large participation highlighted the bond between the local community and the Custody of the Holy Land, which in turn lives daily the Gospel "yes" recalled by the Custos during the homily.
With the entrance in Nazareth, a significant journey was completed, not only for the new Custos but for the entire Custody of the Holy Land. Beyond its liturgical value, these entrances strengthen the relationship between the holy places and the communities living there, confirming the Franciscan mission to guard the memory of the Gospels and to support the Christian presence in the Middle East.
Francesco Guaraldi
