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LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESSBEIT JALA – 2013

EditorialNumber 19

JaNuary 2013

2013: polls expectedYear 2 of the Arab revolution. After

the advent of what was a “promising Arab Spring”, the Middle East continues to sink into a conflict that continues to worsen in Syria and whose consequences are pestilential. The entire region navigates through crises of post-revolutions, the death of Pope Shenouda III, events in Jordan, through the election of Mr. Morsi in Egypt and the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, ... It is in this noxious climate that governments await the results of elections to be held in 2013. First in Israel. In two weeks, the next elections will take place (January 22), opinion polls show that the Israeli government could become more religious and nationalistic in perspective, possibly striking Iran’s nuclear facilities. In Iran, on June 14, a presidential election will be held to choose a successor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

But, long before the Persian deadline, eyes will turn to Jordan where primary elections are set for January 23, after the dissolution of Parliament by the King in October. Jordan, long considered stable, has been shaken for nearly two years by demonstrations, which have increased in recent times, demanding political and economic reforms. The new parliament will elect the Prime Minister. Up to now, it is the king who appoints him. The Muslim Brotherhood has sought - unsuccessfully - the cancellation of higher energy prices (voted in November to deal with a 5 billion dollar budget deficit) and the postponement of elections. In summary, two factors will decide the political future of the Middle East: the end of the Syrian crisis and parliamentary elections this January. For the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem “it is urgent to find a peaceful and just solution to the Palestinian question”, considered by the Patriarchs and Bishops of the Middle East, who met Lebanon in early December, as the source of all conflicts in the region.

In his Christmas homily, Patriarch Fouad Twal praised the “courageous efforts and positions” that have resulted in the recognition of Palestine as an observer state at the UN: “This recognition must be a decisive step towards peace and security. Only justice and peace in the Holy Land can restore the balance of global and regional equilibrium!” he said.

Refugees

And while most of the Middle East is awaiting the results of announced election, long-term humanitarian problems continue to fester. In the diocese, almost 9,000 Syrians have arrived since January 1, in Jordan, where refugees who fled violence in their country now number more than 290,000 and are at the mercy of the harsh winter. As part of these refugees, Christians can be attracted by exile or fall. In January 2013, Pope Benedict XVI entrusted the Catholic missionary prayer intention “for the Christian communities of the Middle East to receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance, especially when they are discriminated against.” In this Year of Faith, let us offer our prayers for the brothers and sisters of the Middle East who choose to remain in their country or who do not have the means to leave. Let us advance with them confidence and humility in this mystery of faith and iniquity.

Christophe Lafontaine

P a G e 2 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Diocese: Holy Land News

CPCO : For a “just and peaceful solutionto the Palestinian question”

From 3 to 5 December 2012, no fewer than 120 bishops from the Near East met in Harissa, Lebanon, during the Congress of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of the Middle East. The meeting was organized by the CCPO (Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the Orient) and APECL (Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon). Subsequently, two documents were formally approved by the bishops, regarding social and political and humanitarian issues in the current context of the Arab Spring. The first document - a press release – focuses on concrete recommendations to put into practice, in all aspects of individual and community life, the teachings contained in the post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente,which Benedict XVI gave to the Bishops of the region and their Churches during his apostolic visit to Lebanon in September. The second document – an appeal- signed by the Assembly participants touches upon three key principles:

— The first point is the urgent need to find a “just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian question” considered the source of all conflicts in the region;

- The second point is a clarion call to do everything possible to end the conflict and violence that has disrupted lives in the region. The call clearly refers to the Syrian chaos.

— The third point focuses on the situation of Christians in the Middle East. The Heads of Churches are invited to intensify their full cooperation and communion in order to promote the sustainability and continuity of the indigenous, active and effective presence of Christians in Arab societies. The appeal is also, in this regard, to Muslims, calling them to guarantee the full rights of their Christians compatriots, recognizing a common and shared citizenship. Christophe Lafontaine

King Abdullah of Jordanreceives Cardinal Edwin O’Brien

AMMAN – His Majesty, King Abdullah of Jordan received Cardinal Edwin Frederick O’Brien, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre on December 2, accompanied by the Latin Patriarch, His Beatitude Fouad Twal. The Cardinal spoke with the King about the very fragile situation in the Middle East. Patriarch Twal presented Cardinal O’Brien to the King, recalling the support given by Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem to the institutions of the Latin Patriarchate and the Christian communities in the Holy Land. Cardinal O’Brien conveyed to the King of Jordan, the greetings of Pope Benedict XVI, who appreciates the efforts of the King in promoting stability in the Middle East, defending religious freedom and the protection of the Holy Places in Jerusalem. The King assured him that religious pluralism will always be respected in Jordan. During their conversation, the King spoke about the political situation in the Middle East. Referring to Syria and Egypt, the King focused on Jordan, explaining that the events shaking the Jordanian kingdom from time to time are actually led by the Muslim Brotherhood who take advantage of the economic crisis. “Despite the reforms, the situation Jordan faces is the ‘hotheads’ who are not satisfied with the new measures taken.” As a result, with the King, we are concerned for Jordan”, said Patriarch Twal, adding, “the situation is not satisfactory for Jordan, hemmed between Iran and Egypt and threatening the risk of betraying his revolution.” After meeting with Cardinal O’Brien, the King received Mahmoud Abbas, returning from the United Nations. King Abdullah II pledged to do everything for the President of the Palestinian Authority, to return to dialogue with Israel and not to give any excuse to advance deeper into the colonization and stubbornness. Christophe Lafontaine

ACOHL pays tributeto Patriarch IgnatiusIV HazimThe Assembly of Catholic Ordinar-ies of the Holy Land paid tribute to the 157th Patriarch of Antioch, H.B. Ignatius IV Hazim, Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. The region lost one of the greatest spiritual figures of the Arab Christian world.

Patriarch addresses Salesians on the Year of FaithOn December 6, 2012, the oc-casion of an academic day, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Pa-triarch of Jerusalem gave a long discourse to the Salesian semi-narians devoted entirely to the Year of Faith

A new “Canonof the Holy Sepulchre”Patriarch Fouad Twal granted to Father Luigi Speziale, a Betharam priest in Bethlehem, the title of Canon of the Holy Sepulchre. The ceremony took place during the Divine Office presided over by His Beatitude at the Seminary Chapel in Beit Jala, in the presence of priests of the Seminary of Beit Jala and Betharam.

Graffiti in a cemeteryin JerusalemAnti-Christian inscriptions were discovered, Dec. 12, on a convent and a cemetery in Jerusalem. In-sulting graffiti towards Christian-ity were written “in hebrew on the entrance entrance gates of the ar-menian cemetery, as well as the (walls) of a monastery belonging to the Greek orthodox Church, which also inscribed “happy ha-nukkah” and “Price tag”.”

After Mr. Peres,the new Papal Ambassador met with AbbasWednesday, December 12, Arch-bishop Lazzarotto met with the President of the Palestinian Au-thority, Mahmoud Abbas. The week before, on December 4, the new representative of the Pope presented his credentials to the President of Israel, Shimon Peres.

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Diocese: Holy Land News

that the Christian schools were present for hun-dreds of years in the country. He asked that the Ministry acknowl-edge the General Secretary as the representative of Christian schools. The Secretariat was created by the Council of the Cath-olic Bishops in 1993.

Father Nayrouz Ibrahim spoke of the History and Arabic textbooks published by the Palestinian Authority, noting the absence or mischaracterizing of the presence of Christians in the manuals. So he asked to redo them so that they lead to a true togetherness between Christians and Muslims, each respecting the other’s religion.

Dr. Zakarné emphasized, on the one hand, the importance of Christian schools and recognized their history, recalling that they are part of the Ministry of Education and they are an indispensable help for the Department. On the other hand, he stressed that the books should be overhauled and that would be considered the remarks previously mentioned in the book of Fr. Peter Madros “History, Teacher of life.”

Père Faysal Hijazen

the Latin parish of Nazareth, with the patronage of Patriarch Fouad Twal, and all the other bishops of the Holy Land, Catholic and others, and the Custody of the Holy Land. There are 460 registered (of all Israel), who will pass through, naturally at their respective levels, various stages of qualification, one session every Friday until March 25, 2013 - the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Then comes the final challenge, with the result of the four finalists (one for each age group) who, as a reward, will make a pilgrimage to Rome with their parents.

Text N.T

Nazareth: the National Bible Contest is launchedFor the first time, the Family of Nazareth Club

organizes a national Biblical contest ... An initiative that fits within the framework of the Year of Faith. “It’s beautiful, wonderful and perfect. It’s very constructive and enriching, educational and pastoral.” It is with this spontaneous reaction that Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Israel, describes the first formal session of the ‘National Bible Contest’ launched on December 7 at the Saint Anthony Pastoral Center in Nazareth. The idea of the contest was conceived last year, on the occasion of the “Year of Holy Scripture.” The Year of Faith, in progress, gave the Family Club the opportunity and courage to prepare it, and to launch and pursue it, as a strong activity of this special year. This contest is open to all young people of Israel aged 9 to 35 years (divided into four age categories). It is supervised by the Family Club of

RAMALLAH - Tuesday, December 4, 2012 a meeting of all the heads of the Christian Schools of Palestine and Jerusalem was held at the Latin School (Al-Ahliya) in Ramallah. The meeting was attended by Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey, Melkite bishop of Jerusalem, the Father Faysal Hijazin, Secretary General of the Christian Schools of Palestine and Jerusalem, and organizer of the meeting; Dr. Jihad Zakarné, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education; Mr. Omar Anbar, director of the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Mohamad Abed, head of private schools. Bishop Jules Yousef Zerey presented “the Apostolic Exhortation addressed to the Churches of the Middle East” by Pope Benedict XVI, focusing on issues relating to education. He spoke of the mission of the Christian Schools: “Being all a sign of love in society” and encouraged the directors to be witnesses of faith. Sister Virginie presented a book on the Christian Religion, for the Bachelor’s degree, for acceptance by the Department, asking also that the Christian religion, as well as Islam, be a test of the examination. The directors also emphasized this point.

The second part of meeting was reserved for ques-tions put to the Ministry of Education. Father Faysal Hijazin underlined the importance of the General Sec-retary of Christian schools, its role, mentioning that this year 56 Christian schools welcomed 25,000 Christian and Muslim students and 2,000 teachers. He said

Meeting of the directors of the Christian Schoolsof Palestine and Jerusalem

P a G e 4 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Pastoral and Liturgical Life

Orthodox to celebrate Easter on May 5, rather than on the Western Church date, March 31. Father David also presented the fourth volume of the catechism book for children “Getting to Know the Mass”. The meeting ended on a meditative reading of the Holy Father’s message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In the second part of the meeting, Patriarch Fouad Twal came to speak a few words of encouragement to everyone. In his presence, Father David Neuhaus announced that this year, the Israeli authorities had agreed not to make any arrests on Christmas Day - illegal immigrants will be able to attend religious services without fear of being arrested by the police upon exiting churches. The next meeting of the Pastoral Care of Migrants was established at the beginning of March.

Patriarchal Vicariatefor Hebrew-speaking Catholics

Christmas: a vine of peace to eliminatethe scourge of minesHeidi Kuhn, founder of the organization “Roots of Peace” met on December 13 with Bishop Shomali at Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The organization is engaged in a project to rid the country of landmines and replace them with vines. A peace gesture welcomed by the local church a few days before Christmas.

A novena in preparation for ChristmasThis year, the week of Sunday, December 16 to Sunday December 23 was marked by a novena in preparation for Christmas. Nine days of preparation praying Vespers with appropriate chants, always the same, but with different readings and antiphons, as we approach the great event of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

JERUSALEM - On December 4, 2012 at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the coordination committee of priests and pastoral workers engaged in work with migrants gathered to review the situation. The meeting was chaired by the coordinator of the commission, Father David Neuhaus, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics. The work of the meeting began with a meditation on the Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente” and his inspiring words on migration. The first part of the meeting was devoted to an exchange of news over the last three months, since the last meeting of September 4, 2012: the deportations of Sudanese people, the arrest of other immigrants, pastoral activities, catechism updates, celebrations and initiatives for the Year of Faith. One of the important issues discussed concerned the decision of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the

Great walks of the Nativity in Bethlehem thousand children attendedThursday, December 6, 2012, over a thousand children gathered for their traditional ascent to the Nativity Cave of Bethlehem. It is a beautiful tradition of inviting children from Palestinian villages for a peace march to the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This project was sponsored by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, eager to teach Christian and Muslim children to live together from their youth.

Fiftieth anniversary of the Scout group from Beit SahourSunday, December 9, the Beit Sahour Scout Group celebrated the anniversary of its fifty years of activity. For the occasion, the Scouts of today and yesterday met.

First diaconal ordinations at the “Redemptoris Mater” SeminarySunday, December 9, 2012, His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal ordained two new deacons for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem at the International Centre, Domus Galilaeae.

Eighth meeting of the Pastoral Care of Migrants

Patriarch went to Gaza before ChristmasAs is tradition, before Christmas, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop

Fouad Twal visited the parish of the Holy Family in Gaza on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, which began the Christmas holiday for the faithful. This year, Christmas has a special dimension for Gazan Catholics in the parish of the Holy Family. Three weeks after the end of the Israeli operation “Pillar of Defense”, the parish saw the ceasefire as “a miracle”. Patriarch Fouad Twal, for the first time since the cease-fire, went into Gaza explained in his homily on Sunday that “Christmas is a gift from Heaven but must also men of good will for peace exists.” He also urged Christians “to live a strong faith” to remain living in this Holy Land where the Holy Family passed during its flight into Egypt, and he recalled that “Jesus also suffered injustice.” According to the parish priest, Father Jorge Hernandez of the Institute of the Incarnate Word: “The parishioners are very appreciative of this visit and it’s also a little of Jerusalem that came here to them and that touches them very much in their faith life.” To thank all those who supported the them by prayers and donations, the parish had a Mass of Thanksgiving. the pastor said “we know that all prayed for them.’

After Mass, the Patriarch, together with Bishop Marcuzzo, Vicar of Nazareth, met with families in a room for the exchange of Christmas greetings. The Administrator of the Patriarchate, Father Humam Khzouz who has coordinated the entry of the delegation in the Gaza Strip, and the Chancellor, Father George Ayoub, were also part of the patriarchal delegation.

The small Catholic parish of the Holy Family has exactly 185 faithful members. Of the 1.6 million people in Gaza who live in an area of 360 sq. km, there is a handful of 1550 Christians (mostly Greek Orthodox). After the 2008 war, they were still 3000. This year, only half that number.

Christophe Lafontaine

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Our Church in the Middle EastChristmas Message of H.B. Patriarch Twal

Dear friends, dear people of the Holy Land, dear migrants,I wish you and all your loved ones a blessed Christmas.Dear journalists, in greeting you this morning, I thank you for your

work and it is my hope that you will always carry it out with wisdom and in truth. Recent events have shaken us – I am thinking of Gaza – and most of you have shown courage. You have earned our admiration and respect.

At the end of the year, I must admit to you that 2012 has brought us mixed outcomes. There have been positive events and others, less positive.

Interreligious Dialogue

1) The 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council is an opportunity to make an examination of conscience in our dialogue with Judaism and Islam. The conference in April that brought together the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the East, recalled that the media, which played a significant role in the Arab revolutions, should be for Christian citizens, a way to assume their historic role in their respective countries, with their values of non-violence, and call for dialogue with believers of other religions. We are a minority but we are more than just a number.

2) There have been many interreligious initiatives and I thank all those who participated in them. But these meetings did not prevent an increase in a certain religious radicalism. In mid-November, the Council of Religious Leaders of Israel met in Haifa, in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, who reminded us that religious leaders can indeed help engender peace if they work together. A final communiqué stressed the importance of respect for the Holy places of every religion.

3) Interreligious dialogue can only bear fruits in acts of mutual respect. I reiterate my dismay at the desecration of churches, convents, synagogues and cemeteries that offends everyone. We must take out the evil at its root by educating our youth in all schools.

Ecumenism

At the end of this year, let us reflect on that which unites us, Christians:

1) We remember very positively the visit to the Holy Land of the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in early November. It was an occasion for encouraging closer ties among Christians and highlighting the Christian presence in Jerusalem and in the Holy Land.

2) Another reason for celebration is the date of Easter. The Assembly of Ordinaries this year decided, that Catholic Easter be celebrated according to the Julian calendar on May 5, 2013, except in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem because of the Status Quo and the influx of pilgrims. A decree is to be approved by the Holy See to permanently establish this change as soon as 2014.

3) A number of Christian, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant delegations were present at the enthronement of Pope Tawadros II in Cairo, demonstrating a spirit of ecumenism and expressing support for the newly elected Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, who assumes his post at a most critical moment in history.

Archbishop Twal inaugurates the first Christmas treeat the Jaffa GateOn Tuesday, December 18, the ninth Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, inaugurated the Christmas tree in the square outside Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem. It was the first time that such a ceremony was held... A ceremony attended by several bishops, priests and nuns, as well as hundreds of lay faithful. In the crowd gathered for the occasion, were also Jews and Muslims.

Opening of the exhibition of religious books in Beir ZeitCulture as a means of dialogue between Christians and Muslims: this was the main theme of the intervention of Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem and Palestine, during the inauguration of the exhibition of Christian religious books held at the University of Bir Zeit on December 17.

The JEC-Palestine held a great feast in honorof Christ the KingRAMALLAH - Friday, November 30, the General Secretariat of the JEC-Palestine organized a big party for Christ the King, their Patron, in the Church of the Holy Family of Ramallah. The event was attended by 450 young people from all Catholic parishes in Palestine – the areas of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and Jenin.

Solemn Profession for two Carmelites of the Mount of Olives“You called me, Lord; Lord, here I am.” This is the sentence that Sister Marie Christine of Saint John of the Cross and Sister Marie Victoire of the Child Jesus pronounced on December 14 in the presence of the liturgical assembly, answering the call of consecration to the Lord.

P a G e 6 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Our Church in the Middle EastLocal historical and political outlook

1) The situation in the Middle East leaves us perplexed. We are confronted by so many concerns and issues. We desire for more stability and democracy. The joy of Christmas is overshadowed by the staggering violence in Syria. We are full of compassion for the victims and our Church actively participates in receiving 250,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan. We also pray for Jordan to maintain its stability and common sense that it always had.

2) The decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations, by which Palestine has become an observer State, is a step towards peace and stability in the region. Israel can now negotiate on equal state-to-state terms for the good of all. There is an urgent need to find a “just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue,” which is considered by the Patriarchs and the Catholic Bishops in the Middle East who met in Lebanon in early December, as the cause of all conflicts in the region. The second and last mandate of President Obama must push him to immediate action in working for the two-State solution.

3) I went to Gaza on December 16. I denounce the severe restrictions that dehumanize the daily lives of 1.6 million people that generates feelings of hatred and hostility towards Israel.

Our Church and migrants

1) Overall, Christian emigration appears to be slowing. The Church seeks to provide housing, to help young people, to develop and train them to find jobs more easily, and above all, to disseminate a culture and a pastoral sense of deep-rootedness, and recognize that to be a citizen of the Holy Land is a vocation that involves sacrifices and challenges.

2) In terms of immigration, our Diocese welcomes many immigrants. The majority of these are Christians. The Church feels very close to these faithful and does not hesitate to raise its voices when these communities feel attacked, as was the case at Sinai and in Tel Aviv this year. There is an urgent need for coordination between the Church, the State and the NGOs.

Projects

The Church plays a key role in interreligious dialogue and education. This is why we put much effort into our American University of Madaba. The inauguration of the new school in Rameh with Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Church of Stella Maris in Aqaba are some notable achievements.

Conclusion

I encourage all our faithful to live this Year of Faith in earnest, putting into practice the teachings of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente,” and the program initiated by the Patriarchate. The first community of Jerusalem can serve as a model for renewal of the existing Christian community: we must return to our roots, to return to Jerusalem.

Some significant dates for 2013:

— At the end of April, an international conference will be held in Jerusalem on Pope John XXIII, who is the originator of the document Nostra Aetate. Some of our Rabbi-friends, and eminent professors will participate.

— Our youth will joyfully travel to Rio de Janeiro this summer for the World Youth Day.

Christmas is a great opportunity to share our joy and express our gratitude. I am thinking particularly of all our religious brothers and sisters who, through their charism, vocation and prayers help us fulfill the mission that our Lord entrusted to us.

I thank you and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

+ Fouad Twal, latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

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Projects of the Latin Patriarchate

To read more, please visit www.lpj.org :

•HowGazaispreparingforChristmas(December17,2012)

•CallandfinalreportofCatholicPatriarchsandBishopsintheMiddleEast

(December17,2012)

•BacktotheSecondVaticanCouncilwithBishopMarcuzzo(December13,2012)

•TheLatinPatriarchateCatecheticalCentersettinginteractivity(December6,2012)

•IfIforgetyouJerusalem-Testimonialsfromformervolunteers(December5,2012)

Patriarch inaugurates new Stella Maris Church in Aqaba

AQABA – The Patriarch, Archbishop Twal, accompanied by four Bishops, among whom was H.E. Archbishop Lahham, Vicar in Amman, inaugurated the new Church of Stella Maris in Aqaba, Jordan, on Friday, December 14, 2012. For the first time, after two years of work, this year the Christians of Aqaba will celebrate Christmas with their pastor, Father Issam Zoomot, in their Church.

It was May 15, 2011 when Patriarch Fouad Twal place the cornerstone of what would become, a year and a half later, the new Stella Maris Church in Aqaba. After almost two year of work and challenges, thanks to the generosity of many benefactors, the Church of Stella Maris, in modern style, forms and with strong lighting, opened its doors. On Friday, December 14, the Patriarch, accompanied by four bishops – H. E., Auxiliary Bishop Lahham of Amman, H.E. Auxiliary Bishop Marcuzzo of Nazareth, H.E. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Sayegh, H.E. Archbishop Al-Ayyash, Melkite Greek Catholic of Amman – and about twenty priests inaugurated the new church and celebrated the Mass. The 450 seats in the Church were occupied both by civil and Muslim authorities of Aqaba and by Christians who arrived by buses from all Jordan, and of course, the parishioners.

During his welcome address, the pastor, Father Zoomot, who celebrated the Mass for some years in a large hall, shared his joy at having a new church with his faithful. He wished to thank all those who contributed to the construction of this church and, in particular, the architect Oussama Twal and his team and the generous benefactors, among whom was, principally, the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, building construction and the local Christians for the furnishings. Equally, in his homily, the Patriarch thanked all those who contributed to the construction. His Beatitude, Patriarch Twal, continuing, stressed that the Advent season is a propitious time for the inauguration of the Church of Stella Maris. Advent, which announces the birth of Jesus, invites us to give thanks for the birth of this new church.

Why construct a new church in Aqaba?

First of all because the number of Christians is growing in Aqaba. “It is a city of the future” assures the Patriarch. Numerous Jordanians come to live in Aqaba where they find work, among them Christian families. Aqaba is a strategic city by its position: a port city, positioned on the border of Israel and not far from Egypt, it attracts Jordanians and also offers work to many migrants. Philippine and Sri Lankan Catholics, numbering about 300, join the local Christians who represent 2% of the city’s population.

The new Church of Stella Maria, situated a few minutes from the sea, will also be “a witness and a spiritual place of welcome” for Christians in transit, explains the Patriarch, in particular for the many tourists who come to swim, drawn by the Red Sea and the Wadi Rum.

The Church with capital C to build everyday

As His Beatitude affirmed, upon returning to Jerusalem after the inauguration, the construction of this new church “announces the future”, in the sense that the parishioners together with their pastor, must now “take possession of the building and incarnate it.” Also, to construct the Church with the capital “C” through parochial life, developing prayer groups for the young, the Legion of Mary, the scout movement, etc. A large hall was made under the church for this purpose, to accommodate Christians celebrations: marriages, first communions and others. “This place will be a point of reference for the Christians” said Patriarch Twal. Beginning this Christmas. During the eight days, Stella Maris, the Star of the Sea, will shine to welcome for the first time, the Prince of Peace.

Amélie de La Hougue

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Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Rameh a school, a dream come true

RAMEH - The new Latin Patriarchate school in Rameh (Upper Galilee) was officially inaugurated on Thursday, November 29, 2012. The building was blessed by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Patriarch Fouad Twal in the presence of Bishop Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel and the originator of the project 18 years ago! It was like retracing the steps of a veritable odyssey. The school is the fruit of an old dream come true. The work took two years (2009 - 2011) to complete, after Pope Benedict XVI blessed the first stone at the Mass of Nazareth, May 14, 2009 on the occasion of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Thursday, November 29, for the official opening, there were more bishops, priests, religious, religious Druze and Muslims and a large number of people from the world of culture and a large number of school principals of Galilee, not to mention the significant presence of Rameh residents and parents.

Rameh can be proud of its patience. Not less than 18 years were required for the success of the project. It all began in 1994 – 1995. Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, then a young Patriarchal Vicar in Israel remembers “being inundated with requests by the Rameh community (Christians and Druze) to build a school.” Consequently, the young bishop had a word with then Patriarch, Michel Sabbah. The latter entrusted to him the task of preparing “a study on the situation of the Christian Schools in Galilee and a plan for the present and the future.” Bishop Marcuzzo prepared a “recovery plan” mentioning that the Latin Patriarchate showed a significant delay in the construction of secondary schools up in Galilee. The plan was then presented to the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and Cardinal Furno, Grand Master of the Order at that time, agreed in principle in 1995 during a “field trip” in Holy Land.

“To the great joy of all the people”

As a result, after the Reineh school was already under construction, the project of a new school for Rameh for 1999 – 2000 was announced at the school holiday in June 1995 “to the great joy of the whole population,” says Bishop Marcuzzo. They did not see the needs of the high school at Kerak that turned out to be a priority, nor the second Intifada of 2000 that disrupted the life of Palestinian schools. It was only in 2005 – 2006 that permission was given to expand the old school by adding an additional floor. In 2008, the financial ability and ministerial permission to build the new school now combined two years of preparation and two years of work. According to Bishop Marcuzzo, “it is a veritable odyssey that comes to its conclusion and a dream come true, finally.” In addition to the extension, the new building will consist of 4 floors with a multipurpose hall for the use of the parish and school, laboratories, classrooms and administrative offices. Students can continue their education through high school, allowing families to stay in the village. Then students can continue, if they wish, at the university that is located in Haifa.

Christophe Lafontaine