On a solemnity that strongly recalls the Resurrection, the living story, wounded hope, and renewed promise, the feast of Saints Simeon and Cleophas in Emmaus took on a particular significance this year. The homily of Fr. Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land, resonated as an urgent invitation not to remain prisoners of pain, disappointment, or the night. The village and the tradition El-Qubeibeh, whose Arabic name means “small dome,” is located about 11 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem, in the […]
“Is it appropriate to speak today of beauty and art, at a time marked by so much suffering? I think that it is necessary more than appropriate. I am convinced that beauty is a source of hope and strength.” With these words, María Ruiz Rodríguez speaks of the decision to put her works on show to the public in an evening dedicated to sacred art and music. The exhibition entitled “Light of Grace” was inaugurated on 22 November, at the […]
After two years, the Jewish community of Ein Karem returned to celebrate, together with the local fraternity of the Custody, the feasts of Hanukkah and Christmas. The residents of Ein Karem were welcomed at the Franciscan Shrine of Saint John the Baptist, the place where, according to tradition, John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, was born. As in past years, before the war in Gaza, a full day of conferences focused on interreligious dialogue was organized, with various guests from […]
The first night footage that shows the start of the humanitarian operation to provide medical care for the children of Gaza arrived from Rome’s military airport of Ciampino on 29 January. The first 11 minors and one adult, ill or injured during the massive bombings, were able to reach Egypt through the border crossing of Rafah, currently the only point of exit from the Gaza Strip, and from there board the plane for Ciampino. One “step towards peace” Fr. Ibrahim […]
