Today, the first Friday of the month, the liturgy invites us to renew the traditional devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Within this spiritual context unfolds the penultimate day of the 2025 Chapter, which began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Abdel Masih FAHIM FAYES. The morning Mass was enriched by the liturgical memory of St. Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori, a prominent figure of pastoral charity and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
In the introduction to the liturgy, Fr. Abdel Masih recalled the Feast of the Pardon of Assisi, which will be celebrated tomorrow, highlighting the importance of mercy in both personal and communal journeys. His homily focused on the Gospel of the day (Mt 13:54-58), where Jesus, returning to his own people, is not welcomed but rejected—a Gospel passage that echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”
Fr. Abdel Masih centered his reflection on the invitation to recognize ourselves as Jesus’ family, despite the challenges of rejection and misunderstanding. He also expressed, with emotion, his gratitude at seeing next to his name on the list of capitulars the title "dean of religious life."
At 9:30 AM, the morning session began with the customary prayer. The first part of the work included a presentation by Fr. Agustín PELAYO FREGOS on the Secretariat for Evangelization. Although the full report was not read aloud, it was made available to the friars, who were invited to review it.
Among the topics discussed, particular attention was given to the parishes entrusted to the Custody—complex and diverse realities that deserve care and development. During the interventions, Fr. Johnny JALLOUF emphasized the importance of specific pastoral care for both the youth and the elderly within these parishes.
The second part of the morning focused on the review of the work carried out by the Economic Review Commission, composed of Fr. Carlos MOLINA, Fr. Sergio GALDI D’ARAGONA, and Fr. Bahjat KARAKACH. Following the presentation, the assembly engaged in a moment of discussion with questions and clarifications from the capitulars.
At 11:45 AM, the assembly warmly welcomed His Most Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista PIZZABALLA, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The distinguished guest was introduced by the Chapter President, Fr. Alojzy WAROT.
In his address, the Patriarch expressed deep closeness and gratitude to the Custody of the Holy Land for its witness and service to both the local and universal Church. He offered an overview of the pastoral challenges faced by the diocese, marked by increasing difficulty in communication among geographically close but increasingly isolated communities due to the complex situation in the Middle East.
In response to questions from the friars, he shared with moving sincerity his personal experience in Gaza. The meeting concluded with a group photo and a fraternal lunch, in an atmosphere of true ecclesial communion.
In the afternoon, at 3:30 PM, the capitular assembly reconvened for the presentation of the draft of the Final Document. After the initial session, the friars divided into working groups to analyze and develop proposals. At 5:15 PM, the group secretaries presented, discussed, and submitted the proposals to a vote.
At the end of a full day of presentations, group work, and several votes, the friars gathered for the traditional community moment: the solemn celebration of Vespers, presided over by Fr. Piermarco LUCIANO, followed by the fraternal dinner.
The memory of St. Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori, also honored in the evening liturgy, reminded the friars of the figure of a tireless pastor who dedicated his life to serving the poor in the neighborhoods of Naples. Founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he was driven by a deep love for Christ present in those who suffer and are in need.
The reflection focused on the words from the Letter of James (3:17-18):
“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Even today, despite the scorching summer sun that has accompanied all the chapter days, the evening brought the refreshing relief of a cool breeze, encouraging moments of fraternal sharing in a climate of hope, harmony, and renewed commitment to the future of the Custody.
