The liturgy in the Sanctuary of the Visitation in Ain Karem brought together the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land and some of the faithful, including a group of children from Acre escorted by Brother Quirico Calella, pastor of the parish, to celebrate the meeting between Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.
In his homily, the Father Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, emphasized that this is not merely the celebration of the encounter between these two wonderful women of the gospel, but above all, the celebration of the visit that God pays us ceaselessly, and the supreme Visit of his coming to dwell among us.
He then addressed the young friars who, during the celebration, would receive the ministries of Reader and Acolyte, inviting them always to be attentive to the God’s visits in their lives.
Upon receiving the book of the Word of God, the Readers were confirmed in their ministry with the words, "Receive the book of the Holy Scripture and faithfully transmit the Word of God: may it take root and be fruitful in the hearts of mankind."
While receiving the chalice and paten, the acolytes heard these words: "Receive this bread and this cup of wine for the celebration of the Eucharist, and show yourself worthy of serving at the table of the Lord and the Church".
At the conclusion of the ceremony in the Upper Church, the assembly went in procession to the Grotto of the Visitation where, after singing the Marian litanies, they received the benediction before continuing the celebration in the Crusaders’ Hall with refreshments.
On their return to Saint Saviour’s Monastery, the friars paid hommage to the Virgin Mary. Leaving the refectory, they continued in procession to an altar erected in one of the monastery’s courtyards, where the youngest among them placed a bouquet of flowers.
MAB
Brothers who received the ministry of Reader:
Brother John of God, Araujo Province
Brother Ziad Assaf, CTS
Brother Salvador Burgos, Leon Province
Brother Romulo Canto, CTS
Brother Denys M. Gaston, CTS
Brother Jihad Krayem, CTS
Brother William Makari, CTS
Brother Adriano, Maznick Province
Brother Timoteo, Marszalek Province
Brother Salvador Rosas, Flores Province
Brother Carlos Thomas, CTS
Brothers who received the ministry of Acolyte:
Brother Badie Elias, CTS
Brother Artura, Favela Province
Brother Paul André, Maia Province
Brother Oscar M. Marzo, CTS
Brother Donaciano, Paredes Province
Brother Agustin, CTS
Brother Roger Saad, CTS
Brother Jad Sara, CTS
Brother Vagner, Zimmer Province
In his homily, the Father Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, emphasized that this is not merely the celebration of the encounter between these two wonderful women of the gospel, but above all, the celebration of the visit that God pays us ceaselessly, and the supreme Visit of his coming to dwell among us.
He then addressed the young friars who, during the celebration, would receive the ministries of Reader and Acolyte, inviting them always to be attentive to the God’s visits in their lives.
Upon receiving the book of the Word of God, the Readers were confirmed in their ministry with the words, "Receive the book of the Holy Scripture and faithfully transmit the Word of God: may it take root and be fruitful in the hearts of mankind."
While receiving the chalice and paten, the acolytes heard these words: "Receive this bread and this cup of wine for the celebration of the Eucharist, and show yourself worthy of serving at the table of the Lord and the Church".
At the conclusion of the ceremony in the Upper Church, the assembly went in procession to the Grotto of the Visitation where, after singing the Marian litanies, they received the benediction before continuing the celebration in the Crusaders’ Hall with refreshments.
On their return to Saint Saviour’s Monastery, the friars paid hommage to the Virgin Mary. Leaving the refectory, they continued in procession to an altar erected in one of the monastery’s courtyards, where the youngest among them placed a bouquet of flowers.
MAB
Brothers who received the ministry of Reader:
Brother John of God, Araujo Province
Brother Ziad Assaf, CTS
Brother Salvador Burgos, Leon Province
Brother Romulo Canto, CTS
Brother Denys M. Gaston, CTS
Brother Jihad Krayem, CTS
Brother William Makari, CTS
Brother Adriano, Maznick Province
Brother Timoteo, Marszalek Province
Brother Salvador Rosas, Flores Province
Brother Carlos Thomas, CTS
Brothers who received the ministry of Acolyte:
Brother Badie Elias, CTS
Brother Artura, Favela Province
Brother Paul André, Maia Province
Brother Oscar M. Marzo, CTS
Brother Donaciano, Paredes Province
Brother Agustin, CTS
Brother Roger Saad, CTS
Brother Jad Sara, CTS
Brother Vagner, Zimmer Province