JERUSALEM. Editorial NEWSLETTER. A Lent in the Holy Land NUMBER 32 APRIL Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

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1 JERUSALEM NEWSLETTER L O V E T H E H O LY L A N D A N D B E L O V E D NUMBER 32 APRIL 2014 Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem P.O.B Jerusalem Tel : Fax : Media office: meo@lpj.org Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem on LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESS BEIT JALA 2014 Editorial A Lent in the Holy Land Lent, a time of turning back to God. Forty days when everyone seeks to follow Christ in the desert to better receive the Light of the Risen Lord. Lived here in the Holy Land, at the holy places trodden by Christ himself and marked by his Holy Passion, the heart of a tormented Middle East and a suffering and sometimes ridiculed Church, it cannot be more condensed and rich in meaning. Living vestiges of the Paschal Mystery, the holy places alone testify to more than two millennia of Church tradition. In the Kidron Valley, between Gethsemane and St. Peter Gallicantu, faithful and pilgrims can even take the steps that Jesus descended into the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of Holy Thursday to pray, and from which He re-emerged a few hours later, dragged by the guards to the High Priest before being judged. The stones are still there, signs of a lasting tradition set to continue for ever and ever. The liturgy is also rooted in the same continuity: the Divine Fire, a miracle that will occur at the Easter Vigil at the Tomb of Christ before spreading among the faithful and illuminate the entire Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, will be celebrated with the same Rites as in the IV century, when the Basilica was built. This year, the common liturgical calendar of the various Christian communities, allowed Christians to live this time of penance and waiting in the unison. A month after Easter, Pope Francis visit and meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew will crown this time of fellowship. Passover, also celebrated the same week, calls the faithful to relive this time exactly as in the time of Christ, when the Jewish people ate unleavened bread and bitter herbs to commemorate exodus from Egypt. Jerusalem, the eternal city... As though time had stopped. How can we not see in this unison, sometimes discordant, a sign of the times, a fledgling prophecy of this time where all are finally one in Him (John 17, 21-23). Already the practices of local Christians during Lent express their communion. Like the Orthodox faithful, most Latins abstain from eating meat for the duration of Lent. As for cookies, they are made without eggs, considered a derivative of meat, but all in all stuffed with dates, which are beneficial for nourishing these days of asceticism and whose sweetness is nevertheless reminiscent of the next joy of Easter. In communion with the Orientals also, some fast for forty days, consuming a light meal a day. Those who cannot do so, at least try to fast every Friday and every Wednesday - for indeed, according to local tradition, it was on a Wednesday that Judas decided in his heart to betray his Master. A minority in the Holy Land, Christians remain faithful to their faith and every year make more alive than ever these ancient traditions. Their presence in the holy places, and night and day at the Tomb of Christ, is the just like the little flame that will flicker at the Easter Vigil - seemingly fragile but in fact called to spread to the world: I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! (Luke 12, 49). Myriam Ambroselli

2 P A G E 2 NEWSLETTER JERUSALEM Diocese: Holy Land News Suffering and consolation in the Parish of Gaza GAZA On February 26, 2014, the Church of the Holy Family Catholic parish suffered a serious attack by unknown assailants. Subsequently, there were many and heartfelt expressions of solidarity and sympathy from the Church and the local authorities. Around midnight on February 26, the feast day of St. Porphyry, unidentified assailants placed an improvised explosive device in the courtyard of the Holy Family Parish of the Latin Church in Gaza. The explosion awoke the pastor, Fr. Jorge Hernandez, who immediately extinguished the initial fire that was developing near his car. The suspects also scribbled some writing on the facade of the Church. Overall, the damage is modest. From the initial police investigation, it seems that the perpetrators are not skilled, but criminals who wanted to make a statement. The explosive was not placed near the Church door but on the side of the churchyard and the words did not desecrate the Cross that stands out in plain sight on the building. The event, however, has deeply shaken the small Christian community, in particular, the religious sisters who reside in the parish. The coexistence of Christians and Muslims in the Gaza Strip has been peaceful for the most part. Apart from some rare episodes, there were no serious events of intolerance and persecution in the past. However, the balance is delicate, and any false or hyped news can endanger the lives of people. The Pastor, concurring with the Latin Patriarchate, did not want to give too much prominence to the news, in order to protect the community from further similar actions. The social and economic situations in the small and densely populated Gaza Strip are sorely tested by the siege, which has lasted for too many years, and by the almost-total closure of the checkpoints with both Israel and Egypt. In the days following the attack, the highest civil and religious authorities and a number of delegations visited the parish to show their solidarity and closeness to Christians and to firmly condemn this deplorable act of intimidation. On Sunday, March 2, 2014, Father Humam Khzouz, general administrator of the Latin Patriarchate, on behalf of Patriarch Fouad Twal and the whole Church in Jerusalem, visited the parish of the Holy Family. He celebrated the Sunday Mass and stopped for a long time to talk to parishioners, as well as with the religious sisters and official representatives, who continued to visit the pastor, Fr. Jorge. The life of the parish, the schools, the sacred liturgies, the youth club, family visitations, and welcoming guests immediately resumed normalcy, with the strength and enthusiasm that characterizes our beloved Gaza Christians. A young couple s engagement and the birth of a child, Julia, are some of the more beautiful and strong signs of the witness that bring comfort to the Christian family, despite the hardships to which they are subjected. Article and photos by our correspondent in Gaza, Andres Bergamini Visit of Palestinian Minister of Tourism and the Ambassador to the Holy See JERUSALEM On Friday, March 28, 2014, the Palestinian Minister of Tourism, Roula Ma ayah, accompanied by the Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissiyeh, paid a courtesy visit to H.B. Fouad Twal at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. During the very friendly meeting, the Tourism Minister expressed her pleasure to welcome next month His Holiness Pope Francis. The Papal visit is the subject of many expectations and should bear much fruit at several levels. In particular, this visit will boost the tourism movement in the country, which promises to be very positive for a Palestinian economy that is based mainly on tourism. But it not only benefits the economy, because the visit of the Pope is first a spiritual pilgrimage by a man of prayer. The Ministry is quite aware of the importance of the spiritual nature of the visit both for the local faithful and the many pilgrims coming from abroad. The Minister also mentioned the importance of continuing joint action between the Ministry and the Church for optimum quality reception for pilgrims from around the world by sanctuaries in Palestine. The goal is nothing less than helping pilgrims to have a spiritual experience at these sites, the theater of their Faith. The Patriarch expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the commitment of the Palestinian Ministry to this message, emphasizing the close cooperation between the Ministry and the Church. It was also an opportunity for His Beatitude to present his congratulations to the new Palestinian ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissiyeh. At the end of the meeting, His Beatitude invited guests to a lunch in the company of bishops and clergy residing in the Patriarchate. Firas Abedrabbo

3 LOVE THE HOLY LAND AND BE LOVED P A G E 3 Diocese: Holy Land News Holy Land Commission visits Patriarchate Projects HOLY LAND From March 17-23, 2014, the Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre visited the Holy Land for a review of different projects of the Latin Patriarch currently in progress. The delegation, consisting of Prof. Tom McKiernan, the new President of the Commission to the Holy Land, and Dr. Heinrich Dickmann, was accompanied by Father Humam Khzouz, General Treasurer of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Visit by Israeli Tourism Minister A second meeting between the Minister of Israeli Tourism and Patriarch Fouad Twal occurred on Thursday, March 13, The Israeli Minister of Tourism, Dr Uzi Landau, came to Latin Patriarchate to maintain relations with His Beatitude. The issue and organization of the coming visit Pope Francis were recalled, as well as the common wish to continue collaborating closely for the reception of the pilgrims and the access to Holy places. Catholic Ordinaries gather in Tiberias On March 11 and 12, 2014, the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land gathered at Casa Nova in Tiberias for the first of its biannual meetings of Members of the Assembly were warmly welcomed by members of Koinonia community. Among the important issues discussed in depth by members of the Assembly was the upcoming pilgrimage of Pope Francis in the Holy Land from May 24-26, Among the decisions taken by the Assembly, was the choice of motto and logo for the visit. The Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the EOHSJ regularly visits Palestine, Israel and Jordan, to assess the needs and project developments of the Latin Patriarchate. Bi-annually, in fact, members of the Grand Magisterium Commission go there to monitor the progress of projects funded by the Order, visiting works in progress or completed, and giving consideration to future projects. Each project is carefully studied and presented to the Grand Magisterium, which, after analysis, decides to support such proposals according to the priorities of the Patriarchate. Followed up by specific reports and regular visits to monitor the work in the presence of Father Humam Khzouz, General Treasurer of the Latin Patriarchate. The delegation consisted of Prof. Tom McKiernan, the new President of the Commission to the Holy Land, Dr. Heinrich Dickmann and accompanied by his wife Barbara, and without Prof. Bart MacGettrick, unable to travel at this time. The Knights met His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal and Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem. The Patriarchate administration then presented plans for various projects. The Commission went to Jordan accompanied by the General Treasurer and visited projects in Na our. There they monitored the progress of work on the parish rectory and the convent of the Sisters of the Rosary. They also visited the school in Al-Ashrafieh and the Fuheis rectory, now fully renovated. In Jordan, the Knights also visited the Our Lady of Peace Center, a place for people with disabilities and also for diocesan activities, especially for the youth. Finally, they came to the baptismal site on Jordanian side. The journey continued to the Palestinian side where they came to Taybeh to see proposed plans for restoration of the rectory. Then on to Jifna, Ain Arik and Ramallah. Ten Patriarchate sites were visited in a few days. An exciting program for the Knights whose love and support for the Holy Land are infinitely valuable to the local Church. Myriam Ambroselli Door of Faith booklets: towards a more substantial faith On the occasion of the Year of Faith , a group of priests, nuns and lay Christians from various Catholic communities, launched a new project: the publication of a series of booklets covering various subjects and aspects of the faith and the Christian life. A collection called Door of Faith. The collection is so-called after the title given by Pope Benedict XVI to the Encyclical proclaiming the Year of Faith, the collection was named The Gate of Faith. The Village of Magdala, a new place of pilgrimage Back to Magdala on the shores of Lake Tiberias. Many archaeological discoveries and historical factors explain the importance of place. In reality, there is a vast project to make this town a must. The Legionaries of Christ, owners of the land, are building a large hotel complex to give the equivalent in Galilee of the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem. The project is also spiritual and ecumenical.

4 P A G E 4 Pastoral and Liturgical Life Birzeit parish welcome the Patriarch NEWSLETTER JERUSALEM BIRZEIT From Saturday, March 15, 2014 to Sunday, March 16, 2014, His Beatitude Fouad Twal made a pastoral visit to the Palestinian town of Birzeit, where he met with parishioners and learned about their various activities. On Saturday, March 15, Patriarch Twal made his formal entry into the parish of Birzeit for a pastoral visit. He was welcomed by the scouts and religious leaders of the city, the Rosary Sisters, members of Municipal Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society, parishioners, and the faculty and students Latin Patriarchate School. The Patriarch began his day at the parish church for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, met with members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the parish hall. He then visited the various classrooms, from kindergarten to high school, before moving to the Father Buzo Center, a home for the elderly, where he had lunch. Early in the afternoon, His Beatitude offered his condolences to the family of Mu taz Washaha, the 25 year old man killed almost two weeks ago by the Israeli army who destroyed his home using shells and heavy machine guns. Later the Patriarch met with various active parish groups: the Young Christian Students and Young Christian Workers, the children s choir group, the Neocatechumenal Way, the adult parish choir and the Housing Committee. This long but eventful day finally ended with dinner at the community of the Rosary Sisters, and a meeting with the parish priest, Father Louis Hazboun, and seminarians of the parish, with whom the Patriarch prayed the Church s Liturgy of Hours. On Sunday morning, Patriarch Twal celebrated Mass during which a few parish children received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. After Mass, many parishioners greeted him, spoke with him and took some memorable photos. At noon, the Patriarch met with the Parish Women s Committee, and had lunch with the members of the Legion of Mary. The pastoral visit to Birzeit concluded with a visit to Nadeema and Samar Salameh and Fautine Abdallah, to whom he gave Holy Communion. He also visited the famous Fr. Manuel Mousallem, a son of Birzeit, who in recent years retired after a long life given in the service of the Lord, especially to his little suffering flock in Gaza. Firas Abedrabbo The Feast of the Annunciation in the Diocese of Jerusalem HOLY LAND On March 25, the diocese celebrated, with the whole Church, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the day when the angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce that she would be the Mother of Jesus. The festival is primarily celebrated in Nazareth, but also throughout the diocese since many parishes bear the name of the Annunciation. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man of the house of David, named Joseph, and the virgin s name was Mary. Thus, St. Luke introduced the narrative of this episode in his gospel. Since it is customary for Christians of the Holy Land to make pilgrimage to a holy place on the day when the biblical or evangelical episode related to this place is celebrated, the Latin parishes of the Holy Land, the Franciscan Custody and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem went in great numbers to Nazareth on March 25, Once again, Christians and pilgrims from all parishes of the diocese gathered in the city at the Basilica of the Annunciation, built just above the grotto where the angel had visited the Virgin Mary. Principal celebrant of the Mass, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, recalled the message of peace that contains the announcement of the coming of the Messiah: Christ gives us a peace that the world cannot give, and the world cannot take away. A peace that gives rise in our hearts to a quiet confidence, and which banishes fear and despair. In the city of the Holy Family, he also stressed the importance of the family unit and its particular role in the transmission of the faith, and at the same time, noting that the Catholic Church has dedicated this year to the Family. After Mass, he took the time to greet and meet the faithful, some church officials, among whom was Bishop Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for the Galilee, and politicians of the city, to further develop cooperation between the Church and municipality. Around the Diocese In addition to the parish of Nazareth, there are at least four other Latin parishes devoted to the Annunciation and which celebrated on March 25 their parish Feast Ain Arik, Jabal Luweibdey, Shatana, and Beit Jala. In each place the atmosphere was conducive to festivity and joy, an opportunity to come together as a parish. In Beit Jala, the Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Palestine. At the assembly, composed of seminarians, parishioners and group scout, he recalled that the feast of the Annunciation could be considered the heart of Lent, a starting point for evangelism. The last major Feast before Holy Week, the Annunciation on March 25 allowed Christians to gather once again in joy and confidence in the prayer to the Virgin Mary. It is in in gathering at these holy places that they show the Christian faith is not dead in the Holy Land, but on the contrary is lively and should remain so. Pierre Loup de Raucourt Aqaba receives visit of Patriarch The Jordanian Aqaba parish was the scene of a pastoral visit by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal on March 1-2, An opportunity again to be in touch with Christians in the country and stimulate the parish to keep it alive. Feast of St. Joseph in Haifa and Isfia Saint Joseph is very popular in Galilee. To celebrate his birthday, Bishop Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Galilee was invited this year to five different parishes or institutions. Father Custos of the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, celebrated for his part in the Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth. Two other places, proud to be dedicated to Saint Joseph, like to celebrate this solemn celebration: the Carmelite Fathers school of Haifa and the community of Carmelites of St. Joseph in Isfia on Mount Carmel. Our Lady, Woman of Valor, in South Tel Aviv On Saturday, March 1, 2014, the first Sunday Mass was celebrated at Our Lady, Woman of Valor, in South Tel Aviv. An important week for the life of Catholic migrants in south Tel Aviv. They left the premises they occupied on 17 Levada Street for two and a half years. The air-raid shelter had become a home to hundreds of migrants who regularly attended the services in the chapel of the Divine Mercy. Pastoral Care of Migrants: new meeting for better coordination Tuesday, March 4, A meeting was held at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the coordination of the Pastoral Care of Migrants in the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. After reflecting on the address of Pope Francis in the Astalli Centre for refugees in Rome on September 2013, news of various communities and ministries were discussed, including the new center for the pastoral care of migrants in Tel Aviv, Our Lady, Women of Valor, and the plight of African asylum seekers in Israel.

5 LOVE THE HOLY LAND AND BE LOVED P A G E 5 Our Diocese and the World Release of the Maaloula Sisters: «an olive branch in the midst of a flood» DAMASCUS On Sunday, March 9, after three months of captivity, 13 Syrian and Lebanese nuns and their three aids kidnapped in Syria were liberated. A humanitarian gesture which is also a sign of hope for the other hostages held in the region. The nuns are from the Monastery of St. Thecla, located in the village of Maaloula, some 50 km north west of Damascus, and were in charge of an orphanage. The nuns were released on Sunday at the Lebanese borders. They arrived in Damascus on Monday, after a nine-hour trip, and were welcomed by religious authorities. They had been detained for three months in the hills of Qalamun area by Jabhat al-nosra, an Islamist militia, which fights the Syrian regime. In exchange, the regime set free 150 militant anti-government women, held in the prisons of Damascus. The Superior, Mother Pelagia Sayaf, expressed her feelings in these terms: we missed nothing ( ) God has not abandoned us. As a humanitarian gesture in the midst of so many sufferings and violence, this release is a sign of optimism, as was the olive branch in the midst of the flood underlines Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem. It is also a sign of hope for the release, long overdue, of other hostages, among whom are two Bishops of Aleppo, Boulos Yazigi, Greek Orthodox, and Gregorios Yuhanna Ibrahim, Syrian Orthodox. Myriam Ambroselli ACN Assists Eastern Christians JERUSALEM ACN (Aid to the Church in Need) has been working since 1947 to support the Church and threatened, persecuted Christians, and refugees. Several of their projects concern Christians of the Holy Land, while presently an international delegation visits the diocese. Ten representatives from Canada, Spain, Chile, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, who are based at ACN in Germany, have come to the Diocese of Jerusalem. Having been in Lebanon, they visited Jordan, notably the Zaatari camp which hosts 114,000 Syrian refugees, and have come through Nazareth to Jerusalem. The purpose of their visit has been to learn more about the situation of Syrian and Iraqi refugees who flee each day in great numbers to the countries bordering Syria. Awareness of the refugees condition helps target more appropriate projects and render them more efficient and just. In the course of its journey, the delegation met numerous families and religious representatives to gain an overview, as complete as possible, of the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land, as well as to be more acquainted with preparations for the Papal visit. On this occasion, the ACN association has launched a large petition, addressed to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal, and Pope Francis. It has already collected more than 6,000 signatures and asks that Christians in the West Bank have access to the Holy Places of Jerusalem (the Separation Wall prevents them). The backdrop of the petition is the objective that Christians, whose numbers have declined steadily, maintain a presence in the Holy Land and cease emigration to other countries. A link with Europe ACN is present in 17 countries and helps fund projects in 150 countries. Among the donor countries is France, where Nights of Witness are organized from March 24-28, These are vigils of prayer and testimony, occurring in 4 major cities, during which various witnesses speak about their churches. This year, the Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church, an Iraqi bishop, a Central African Republic bishop, a Syrian nun and a Maronite priest will give their testimonies. The purpose of these gatherings is to remind European Christians, who can go every day to Mass without risking their lives, that some Christians in the world are arrested, imprisoned, tortured and even killed because they carry the message of Christ and go to church. This is the message that ACN wants to share. The Association also publishes biennially a report on Religious Freedom in the world, noting that today 200 million Christians in the world cannot freely live out their Christian faith. Pierre Loup de Raucourt

6 P A G E 6 NEWSLETTER JERUSALEM Projects of the Latin Patriarchate Solar Energy : a first in the Church of Jordan ZARQA where the sun shines more than 300 days a year, solar energy has come at an opportune time. A solar energy system has been installed at the Twelve Apostles parish of Zarqa, Jordan. The benefits are spectacular, both for the economy of the parish and the environment. The Twelve Apostles parish of Zarqa is the first church in Jordan to acquire a solar energy system, which has been confirmed by the company who installed the system. A nice initiative! The system, installed and started from the beginning of February, is very beneficial not only for the parish but also for the environment. It has a capacity of 10kw/h and produces at least 14kw/h a day. The daily production of energy varies between 50 and 60 kw/h, and this even at the heart of winter. Admittedly, winter in Zarqa can sometimes take the appearance of spring or summer. The city, located in the desert in an arid terrain, can experience a few climate surprises. According to meteorological statistics, the number of sunshine days is estimated at 300 days a year in Jordan. An optimal exposure for a fantastic energy gain for the parish. In addition to an economic asset, the solar panels generate clean energy, still called green energy, which produces a really low level of pollutants, indeed, almost pollutant free. The system therefore helps to prevent CO2 (carbon dioxide), identified as one of the main sources of environmental pollution. From Feb 2 Mar 11, 2014, the installed solar panels produced in total 1890kw/h, which is equivalent to an average of 50 kw/h per day, almost half of last year s daily consumption, and prevents 1.3 tons of CO2. What progress! And what an asset for the environment! This beautiful project has been piloted by Father Elie Kurzum, a religious of Bétharram (Society of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) and pastor of the parish of Twelve Apostles. A priest who does not lack initiative, imagination and creativity for the progress and development of his parish. This same solar system also supplies the school, a large complex of more than two large two-story buildings located on the parish grounds. A commendable initiative which deserves to be followed. This project would not have seen the light of day without the great generosity of L Oeuvre d Orient association, which contributed fully to its realization. L Oeuvre d Orient, an initiative of a group of lay people, was founded in The French organization is dedicated to helping Christians of the Middle East. We do not fail to support them with our thoughts and prayers. Again, a big thank you to L Oeuvre d Orient for their acts of charity in the service of the Church of the East. Fr. Jean-Paul Kissi, scj Renovation of Jordanian Ajloun Parish Complete JORDAN - Built in 1929 to serve the Christian community in northern Jordan, the Ajloun parish of the Latin Patriarchate currently has more than 200 Christian families. The newly renovated building is a pastoral center and a social center for many religious and ecumenical activities. In 2013, the Church structure underwent many renovations made necessary over the years given its aging deterioration and the growing number of parishioners. The strategic location of the Church in Ajloun has been a beacon for the Christians of the surrounding towns. Serving the local Christian community, the parish also organizes many programs for youth throughout the school year. The Latin Patriarchate, in 2013, deemed that the restoration of the church became a necessity. The church in fact bore the marks of the ravages of time,

7 LOVE THE HOLY LAND AND BE LOVED P A G E 7 displaying large cracks due to moisture problems. Restoration also involved redevelopment. Indeed, the work of upgrade and expansion became necessary to make the building more welcoming parishioners and visitors. Significant work has been carried out, including the restoration of the roof of red brick, installation of roof insulation and the plastering of ceilings and some damaged walls. Moisture and cold form a larger problem when winter hits in the north of the country, making the insulation of the Church essential. Old windows were restored and damaged windows replaced. The woodwork was refurbished and a new ventilation system was installed to cope with the oppressive summer heat. The project, following the work of the engineers of the Latin Patriarchate, was made possible through the generous support of the Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. And has resulted in a Church building that has been completely renovated and shines with a new beauty. The building has also been upgraded, allowing easy access to many seniors of the parish. A further sign of the Church being attentive to the needs of all. Myriam Ambroselli To read more, please visit :

8 Program of the Pilgrimage of Pope Francis in Jordan, Palestine and Israel PILGRIMAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS IN THE HOLY LAND ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEETING IN JERUSALEM BETWEEN POPE PAUL VI AND PATRIARCH ATHENAGORAS Saturday, May 24, :15 Departure from Rome Fiumicino Airport for Amman 13:00 Arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman 13:45 ARRIVAL CEREMONY in the al-husseini Royal Palace in Amman COURTESY VISIT TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN OF JORDAN 14:20 MEETING WITH THE AUTHORITIES OF THE KINGDOM OF JORDAN. Discourse of the Holy Father 16:00 HOLY MASS at the International Stadium in Amman. Homily of the Holy Father 19:00 Visit to the Baptismal Site at Bethany beyond the Jordan 19:15 MEETING WITH REFUGEES AND DISABLED YOUNG PEOPLE in the Latin Church at Bethany beyond the Jordan. Discourse of the Holy Father Sunday, May 25, :15 FAREWELL FROM JORDAN at the Queen Alia Internal Airport in Amman 8:30 Departure by helicopter from the Queen Alia Internal Airport in Amman for Bethlehem 9:20 Arrival at the helicopter port of Bethlehem 9:30 ARRIVAL CEREMONY at the Presidential Palace in Bethlehem COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE 10:00 MEETING WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY Discourse of the Holy Father 11:00 HOLY MASS in Manger Square in Bethlehem. Homily of the Holy Father REGINA COELI PRAYER. Allocution of the Holy Father 13:30 Lunch with families from Palestine in the Franciscan Convent of Casa Nova in Bethlehem 15:00 PRIVATE VISIT TO THE GROTTO OF THE NATIVITY IN BETHLEHEM 15:20 GREETING OF CHILDREN FROM THE REFUGEE CAMPS OF DEHEISHEH, AIDA AND BEIT JIBRIN at the Phoenix Center of the Deheisheh Refugee Camp 15:45 FAREWELL FROM THE STATE OF PALESTINE at the helicopter port of Bethlehem 16:00 Departure by helicopter from the helicopter port of Bethlehem for Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv 16:30 ARRIVAL CEREMONY at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Discourse of the Holy Father 17:15 Transfer by helicopter to Jerusalem Subscribe To subscribe free, write to: Visit our website: 17:45 Arrival at the helicopter port of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus 18:15 Private meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople at the Apostolic Delegation in Jerusalem. Signing of a joint declaration ECUMENICAL MEETING on the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of the meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. Discourse of the Holy Father 20:15 Dinner with the Patriarchs and Bishops and the Papal suite at the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem Monday, May 26, :15 VISIT TO THE GRAND MUFTI OF JERUSALEM in the building of the Great Council on the Esplanade of the Mosques. Discourse of the Holy Father 9:10 VISIT TO THE WESTERN WALL in Jerusalem 9:45 Laying a wreath at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem VISIT TO YAD VASHEM in Jerusalem. Discourse of the Holy Father 10:45 COURTESY VISIT TO THE TWO CHIEF RABBIS at Heichal Shlomo Center in Jerusalem, next to the Jerusalem Great Synagogue. Discourse of the Holy Father 11:45 COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem. Discourse of the Holy Father 13:00 PRIVATE AUDIENCE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL at Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem 13:30 Lunch with the Papal suite at Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem 15:30 Private visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople at the building next to the Orthodox Church of Viri Galileai on the Mount of Olives 16:00 MEETING WITH PRIESTS, MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS AND SEMINARIANS in the Church of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Discourse of the Holy Father 17:20 HOLY MASS WITH THE ORDINARIES OF THE HOLY LAND AND THE PAPAL SUITE in the room of the Cenacle in Jerusalem. Homily of the Holy Father 19:30 Transfer by helicopter from the helicopter port on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv 20:00 FAREWELL FROM THE STATE OF ISRAEL at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv 20:15 Departure from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for Ciampino Airport in Rome 23:00 Arrival at Ciampino Airport in Rome Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem P.O.B Jerusalem Tel: Fax: Media office : meo@lpj.org