n e w s l e t t e r JERUSALEM l o v e t h e H o l y l a n d a n d b e l o v e d Number 7 OCTOBER 2011 Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem www.lpj.org P.O.B. 14152 Jerusalem 91141 Tel : +972 2 628 23 23 Fax : +972 2 627 16 52 Media office: meo@latinpat.org LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESS BEIT JALA 2011 Editorial Arab Winter Enough! Christians of the Arab world also have the right to freedom of conscience and religious freedom. They should not be regarded as second class citizens. Do Christians not also have the right to speak about the democratization of the Arab world? Can we still assume that it is once again the Coptic people who serve as scapegoat of the Egyptian revolution? Surely not. And yet, for the largest Christian minority of the Middle East, the Arab Spring promises have the smell of blood and have the color of winter. Egypt of the post-mubarak period had not yet experienced such a tragedy. The church of St. George near Aswan, which was recently renovated, was taken by storm on Sunday, October 9 th. A demonstration of solidarity for this village degenerated into carnage. Never mind the reasons and the authors of these deadly clashes; I do only remember the death of 24 people shot or crushed by tanks and the over 300 injured people. And I also remember especially and above all, that the Copts, once again, paid the price of blood while they were demonstrating peacefully... They had participated in the revolution that culminated in the fall of the Mubarak regime on February 11 th. However, nine months later they can see their victory being stolen. They are victims of a regime of political transition in which intercommunity tensions are being reborn. The future of Christian minorities, in an Arab world raised by the promises of democracy, is a critical issue again. The Conference of Latin Bishops in the Arab For the Coptic, «Arab Spring» became a «Christian Winter» Region, held from October 11-13 in Rome has not evaded it. The area is bleeding. According to the Egyptian Union of Human Rights, 100,000 Copts have left the country since March, emigrating to the United States, and Canada, Europe and Australia. In Iraq since the Anglo-American intervention in 2003, the country was emptied of its Christians, who were targeted by Islamist groups and totally marginalized by the new authorities. At least 400,000 of them found refuge in the West or camped in the suburbs of Aleppo and Damascus in Syria. In Syria, where specifically, Christians are suspicious about beginning revolution, and fear the explosion of the confessional balance, somehow set up between Sunnis, Christians and Alawites. And if sharia is chosen in Egypt, and in Syria, what will they do? Also in Israel, anti-arab incidents multiply. Police found, dozens of Muslim and Christian desecrated graves in Jaffa during the same weekend of the Egyptian tragedy. After all these threats against Christians of the Middle East, we must seriously raise our prayer. In the Holy Land, there have already been three days of prayer and fasting at the Coptic Patriarchate. With them we cry: Enough! Christophe Lafontaine
P A G E 2 News: Patriarch and Patriarchate The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem shared with the parishioners and guests at St. Mary in Chelsea, Hamdu Lil Lah. He said it meant thanks to God. During the Mass Archbishop Twal welcomed 650 of his family members, now American citizens, formerly from the Middle East, and the parishioners who gathered to celebrate his 12-day visit to the United States. Honoring him were the 4th Degree and other Knights of Columbus; knights and ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of the North Central Lieutenancy; Reverend Emil Salayta, president of the Ecclesiastical Court, Latin patriarchate and Sir Rateb Rabie, president of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Patriarch visits the United States During his trip the Patriarch visited California, Missouri, Michigan and Massachusetts and he met the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher N E W S L E T T E R J E RU S A L E M Violations of worship places in the Holy Land Dozens of tombstones of Muslim and Christian cemetery were desecrated by unknown persons in Jaffa in Israel, on October 8, day of Yom Kippur. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, gathering Latin and Eastern Bishops of the different Catholic communities having jurisdiction in the Holy Land reacted strongly in a communiqué: We witnessed in the last few days frequent violations, burning and desecration of holy places and cemeteries. Those criminal acts have not Foundation, Washington, D.C. Archbishop Twal spoke about peace during his homily. He said, I am grateful to be gathering in the best gathering the Mass. We should pray for each other, for your peace, for our peace. He talked of preaching to the priests in the Holy Land, about their world-wide mission of the presence of Jesus and about Jews, Muslims and millions of tourists who come to the Holy Land. The patriarch continued, There are 100 religious congregations from all of the world and 14 contemplative congregations who pray day and night in front of the Blessed Sacrament for peace for the world. He said that the people of the Holy Land don t want violence but justice and a normal life for everyone. After Mass the patriarch told everyone you are all welcome to come to Jerusalem. According to an article released at dioceseoflansing.org been limited to one place, but extended to Galilee and Jaffa. Few radicals stand behind them. [...] We hope that the Israeli government and its agencies, besides condemning and paying solidarity visits, will continue taking serious measures to bring the perpetrators and those who stand behind them to justice and to reexamine the role of the state in educating its citizens to respect religious diversity and pluralism. Christophe Lafontaine Patriarch meets Imam Magid His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem met with the Executive Director Imam Mohamed Hag Magid and National Director Dr. Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America at the Society s offices. P. A. Brenninkmeijer, in the Peace of the Lord Paul August Brenninkmeijer, great friend of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem returned to the Father on September 18 th. He was a very generous benefactor to the Church of the Holy Land, and a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher (Lieutenancy of Germany). He will be buried in his home village in Mettingen (Germany). Patriarch Twal meets Chaldean Bishop Abraham His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal met with His Excellency Bishop Abraham N. Abraham, Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Detroit (Michigan) on Saturday, September 24. They discussed the situation of Christians in the Holy Land. Galilee mosque-burning denounced The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed desolation and condemned the recent mosqueburning in Touba Zangaria, a crime against a place of worship and it is a real breach of the values of respect.
l o v e t h e H O L Y l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P A G E 3 Diocese Joy and simplicity for the feast of St. Francis The Franciscans of the Holy Land celebrated a Solemn Mass in Jerusalem in honor of their Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday, October 4 th. They also gathered on the eve of the feast with the presence of Bishop William Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem for first Vespers. Several Franciscan friars renewed their vows. They expressed their strong desire to live the spirit of poverty and humility that inspired St. Francis.Transitus prayers followed to commemorate passage of their holy father Francis from this earth into eternal life. Every one present lit a candle as a sign of the life given and received by God. The relics of St. Francis, the Poverello of Assisi, were venerated, and finally the assembly sang the famous Hymn of Creation. In this atmosphere of joy and worship, the seminarians from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, the Latin Patriarchate Seminary in Beit Jala, the Salesians, the White Fathers and the Franciscan Capuchins were welcomed to a festive buffet. The different groups provided entertainment for the occasion. The program included: singing, dancing, magic, skits... The solemn mass for the feast was celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30. As has been a tradition, a brother from another community, Dominican Fr. Guy Tardivy, prior of St. Stephen s Monastery in Jerusalem was invited to preside over the celebration. The simplicity of St. Francis in the service of his brothers and the joy he radiated even under the sign of the Cross was emphasized in the homily. This spirit continues with the Order of Friars Minor. For the feast of St. Francis, all the seminarians in the Holy Land were invited. Joy and simplicity marked the celebration Daniel Le Wardiyye celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary feast The Rosary Sisters celebrated with great devotion the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Friday, October 7 th, a few days before the second anniversary of the beatification of their foundress Mother Marie- Alphonsine on November 23 rd. This community is the only local religious community of the Holy Land. House of Abraham celebrates its patron s feast The House of Abraham celebrated its patron with Mass celebrated by Bishop William Shomali on Sunday, October 9 th, on Mount of Olives across from Mount Moriah where Abraham agreed to sacrifice his only son. A hundred people gathered at a reception after Mass. 200 priests and seminarians start new academic year Students from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (mostly priests with some lay people), Salesian and Franciscan seminarians gathered to celebrate Mass for the new academic year at St. Savior Church, on October 5 th. At the beginning of this academic year, many students and priests gathered with eighty seminarians and about 10 lay people to resume studies in biblical and theological faculties. Bishop William Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem was the main celebrant of the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. With the Veni Creator as an Introit, teachers and students fervently asked the Holy Spirit gifts of Intelligence and Science. The Bishop also said in his homily that at the beginning of this academic year, we need to call upon Him to give us the strength and courage to start joyfully this adventure of a new academic year with its challenges and hard work. It was also an opportunity for Bishop Shomali to thank the professors for their ministry, expressing his gratitude for all their work and encouraged them to: Continue to scrutinize the meaning of Scripture, to defend the truth and to highlight the relationship that exists between history, archeology and the Gospel. The Bishop asked the students, to be aware that it is a great privilege to study and pursue your education in Jerusalem. Studying the Word of God in Jerusalem is a gift that will significantly mark your whole life. Louis-Marie de Linage Dom Gregory Collins is new Dormition Abbot The new Abbot of the Dormition Abbey, Dom Gregory Collins, an Irish monk, accepted his new mandate and mission as successor of Dom Benedikt Lindemann, on Sunday, October 2 nd. Daughters of Charity celebrate feast of St. Vincent Nearly two hundred friends and members of the Daughters of Charity came to the Mass presided by Bishop Shomali in celebration of the feast of their patron Saint Vincent de Paul in Jerusalem on Thursday, September 29, 2011.
P A G E 4 Legion of Mary spiritual retreat in Korazim The Legion of Mary, sign and instrument of communion and testimony. It is in this theme inspired by the last Synod that members of the Legion of Mary gathered for their annual retreat in Korazim on September 30 th. Holy Land celebrates feast of St. Therese St. Therese, patroness of the missions was particularly celebrated in the Holy Land, on October 1 st. In Nazareth, the celebration was especially prepared by the Carmelites and Betharamite chaplain, Fr. Philippe Hourrcade. Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo was the main celebrant. It was also an occasion to celebrate the 65 years of religious profession of Mother Antoinette Ajouz. Missionaries of Charity brothers profess vows Two religious brothers from the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity made their solemn profession at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth on September 7 th. Sister Marie des Anges returns to the Father Sister Marie des Anges returned to the Father at dawn on October 4 th, surrounded by the prayers of her Sisters from the Carmel of the Pater. A few days before her hospitalization, she confided that she was ready to join the One that she had expected for a long time. Diocese N E W S L E T T E R J E RU S A L E M Bishop Marcuzzo thanks St. Therese in Lisieux On behalf of His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Bishop Marcuzzo participated in the 2011-celebrations in Lisieux on September 24 and September 25. He was accompanied by Father Abdo Abdo, a Carmelite from Haifa, who was one of the major organizers of the pilgrimage of the relics of St. Therese to the Holy Land. Bishop Marcuzzo was welcomed by Bishop Jean-Claude Ézechiel Boulanger of Bayeux (Lisieux) and Msgr. Bernard Lagoutte, rector of the Basilica The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher organized a great reception in honor of Bishop Marcuzzo of St. Therese of Lisieux. The Bishop of Nazareth wanted gave thanks for the two and a half months that the relics of the Saint were in the Holy Land from March to May. Mayor Bernard Aubril presented the Bishop with a medal of the town of Lisieux. Bishop Marcuzzo presided at the solemn Mass in the Basilica of Lisieux with Bishop Boulanger and Bishop Poulain, Emeritus Bishop of Périgueux, on Sunday, September 25 th. Nearly 3,000 people attended the celebration and more than 20 countries were represented. By late afternoon, Bishop Marcuzzo met the Knights of Malta who were responsible for the processions, and then the Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, who organized a great reception in his honor. Present were the president of the province of Normandy, Mr. Blochard, the Mayor, Bernard Aubril and the Vice President of the General Council of Calvados. The Knights were happy to receive news and updates about the Holy Land, a region they call home, directly from Bishop Marcuzzo. Before returning to the Holy Land, Bishop Marcuzzo and Father Abdo Abdo went to the Abbey of Bec Hellouin. This visit has charmed not only by the hospitality there but also by the special bond we have here in the Holy Land with the community of Abu Gosh, our Olivetan brothers and sisters. Amélie de La Hougue Le Cèdre visits Mary s Center in Nazareth Bishop Marcuzzo talks with Le Cèdre about the wealth of Christian tradition in the Holy Land The International Center Mary of Nazareth hosted a group of 40 French pilgrims of Le Cèdre who came in Nazareth for a work session and pilgrimage on Wednesday, September 28 th. The Center is under the responsibility of Luc and Marie-Christine Lagabrielle along with Sister Jacqueline Coutelier, head of the Chemin Neuf Community in Israel. Le Cèdre, a French club and a group of around 4,000 Christian facilities (schools, religious communities, dioceses, retirement homes, places of pilgrimage). With its purchase volumes, it negotiates prices for multiple types of markets for the benefit of its members allowing them to better focus on their Church mission. The Chemin Neuf Community was one of the first members of this Club in 1998. At the Center Mary of Nazareth, the group first attended a one-hour multimedia show, immersing them into the mystery of Salvation with the Virgin Mary. A time of worship followed in the Chapel of Unity. A get together meal was organized with some thirty Christians of Nazareth. Several representatives of the Latin, Maronites, Greek Catholic and Orthodox parishes of Nazareth responded to the invitation, among them was Father Zaher Abboud, OFM, vicar of Nazareth. Correspondent
l o v e t h e H O L Y l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P A G E 5 Politics and visits CELRA focuses on Middle East situation The annual meeting of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA) just ended in Rome. Participants discussed various key issues for the life of the faithful of their dioceses from October 11th to 13th. The meeting was originally scheduled in Cairo. It was moved to Rome due to the current situation in Egypt. The first day of conference began with the election of Father Pietro Felet as the new secretary of CELRA. He succeeds Bishop Camillo Ballin, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. Then each Bishop presented his diocese emphasizing most important and most urgent issues especially about the situation of Christians. There were many exchanges about the Arab Spring which is becoming an Arab Fall and an Arab Winter for the Christians of Egypt. They also discussed about the new division of the Arabian dioceses: North Arabia (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar) with a Catholic population of 1.5 million under Bishop Ballin, and South Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen) with 1.2 million Catholics under Bishop Paul Hinder. It was also an occasion for a review of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East last October, pending the publication of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation. Bishops also had a reflection on the implementation of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini. Finally Bishop Marcuzzo made a theological presentation of the second volume of Pope Benedict s Jesus of Nazareth book. Bishops gave their impressions of the Lineamenta for the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, presented by Bishop Bertin. Bishops on the Arab Spring During these three days, Bishops were much questioned by journalists, especially about the Arab Spring issue. Commenting on the latest violent confrontation between Copts demonstrators in Cairo and security forces (see edito), Patriarch Fouad Twal did not hide his concern: We are all appalled by what is happening in Egypt. The authorities must make an effort to calm things down and Muslims must make an effort to trust Christians. He also commented on the Arab Spring during an interview with Radio Vatican: It is like a traffic light, which was always red before - no one could pass and no one could open his mouth - and now it is green: all rushing. But we do not know where it will take us. There are also external factors involved, perhaps to ruin our hope. I continue to be optimistic and not afraid, because we are Christians, we are an integral part of this region and people, for better or for worse. The Osservatore Romano of October 13th reported the words of Bishop Camillo Ballin, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia and outgoing general secretary of the CELRA: the prelates of the Latin Rite Catholics are concerned about the tension in recent weeks. This climate is likely to disappoint hopes raised by the Arab spring. Christians are afraid. In Egypt, as in other countries such as Iraq, Syria and Yemen, they live under constant tension. Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel was interviewed by Radio Vatican about Gilad Shalit who was held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 2005. Shalit is expected to be released in the upcoming days, in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners: mutual release of prisoners is a good thing, which we welcome with joy and gratitude. This is an expected release, which could and should have been done a long time. Let us not forget that there are still so many people in prisons, there is still much to do. We are still far from true peace and unfortunately steps are often in the opposite direction to peace. The Patriarch s audience with Pope Benedict XVI on October 13 th was particularly intense: I am very grateful that the Holy Father always cares about the Holy Land and peace in the Middle East. We can see that in all his interventions; as well for Egypt in recent days as at this time for us. He thinks of us, he thinks of Christians, he thinks of peace for all, said the Latin Patriarch to Radio Vatican. Today s meeting was very paternal. The Holy Father has this great gift of listening. He listens to our cries, cries for more justice, more peace, for a normal life. Andres Bergamini and Amélie de La Hougue (with agencies) The next CELRA meeting will be held in Amman on the theme How to make real the new evangelization in September 2012
P A G E 6 N E W S L E T T E R J E RU S A L E M University of Madaba October 17 kick-off for the University of Madaba The American University of Madaba (AUM), located 35 km southwest from Amman in Jordan, started its first official academic year on October 17 th. Designed to welcome 8,000 students, AUM opens its doors, six years after the High Council for Education granted permission to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to establish its own University in 2005. This project is now becoming a reality. The High Council for Education gave permission to open its own university to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in 2005. Important works then began to obtain today a huge complex for up to 8,000 students. His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in a statement in 2005 said: Everyone now wants to open a University in Jordan, and the fact that the government gave the license to us and not to others is a recognition of the work of our schools operating here since 1849. We have over a hundred schools with 70,000 students, which are always open to everyone, Christians and Muslims. To complete this offer of training, my predecessor, H. B. Michel Sabbah, wanted this University: actually there is no Catholic University in Jordan. Pope Benedict XVI supports this project and has donated 15 million Euros and blessed the foundation stone of the campus during his visit in May 2009: By developing talents and right attitudes of each successive generation of students, the University will prepare them to serve the community more broadly and to increase their standard of living (...). Transmitting knowledge and giving students love of truth will help them strengthen their adherence to sound values and to fulfill their personal freedom. Finally, this intellectual formation will sharpen their critical skills, dispel ignorance and prejudice, and help everyone to break the attraction for old and new ideologies. The University was named the American University of Madaba (AUM) because of its partnership with the University of New Hampshire, which strongly supported this initiative. The first University orientation day was held on October 10 th. Present were Bishop Salim Sayegh, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan; Farouq El Qadi, Governor of Madaba; and Dr. Ayman Ma aytah, President of the University. Professors and students were able to meet and share about the coming years they will spend together. A delegation of the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, including Dr. Christa von Siemens, who largely funded this project visited the AUM on October 13 th.
l o v e t h e H O L Y l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P A G E 7 Students 200 students have so far registered. They are Christians and Muslims. 1,000 students are expected for the next academic year. Most are Jordanian and others come from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and the Holy Land. There are also upcoming cooperative projects of exchange between students with eight foreign universities: two American (Notre Dame and Gannon), five Italian (Catholic University, Polytechnic of Milan, and Universities of Pavia, Genoa and Enna) and one Hungarian (The Catholic University Peter Pazmany). Education Training offers a high scientific level while providing a clear vision of society. We want, says the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to create an environment based on the culture of sincerity and openness to others; an institution that prepares leaders for a peaceful and serene society open to everyone. I firmly believe in the role of education to prepare for peace and coexistence. The University has seven faculties, all taught in English: science, engineering, information technology, health sciences, business and finance, art and design, languages and communications. For the year 2011-2012 students will begin with 18 specialties and 32 are planned for next year. The 50 teachers have excellent educational background and come from Jordanian and European Universities. Some are American and all are renowned in their fields. Campus Once the entire project is completed, students will benefit from a modern campus with laboratories, meeting rooms, free internet access with wireless networking and sports facilities. A new generation of leaders is forthcoming. For more information, visit the University of Madaba website at: www.aum.edu.jo Amélie de La Hougue with Daniel Le
ORDO EQUESTRIS SANCTI SEPULCRI HIEROSOLYMITANI LOCUMTENENTIA HELVETICA Swiss Lieutenancy host concert in Jerusalem The Swiss Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher hosted a concert at St. Stephen Church and the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, on Saturday, October 15 th. This Lieutenancy supports the Magnificat Institute not only for cultural reasons or for the entertainment of the people of the Holy Land. They do this because music is a civilization and a common language that can be a bridge between peoples and cultures said Bishop William Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop for Jerusalem as he thanked the Knights and musicians at the end of the concert. About 500 people attended the musical event and performance by the Yasmeen Choir and the Magnificat Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land led by Hania Soudah Sabbara. Young people, musicians and singers succeeded in expressing the emotion that music can raise. This was a moment of serenity in the midst of daily activities. Bishop Shomali also reminded everyone how much we need this here in Jerusalem - where diversity is against unity and unity against diversity to have a common bridge between Muslims, Christians and Jews. Politics divide us. Religions divide us. Music unites us. This concert was organized by Véronique Nebel, President of the Friends of the Magnificat Institute and a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. The first part of the concert was instrumental with young pianists, violinists and flutists performed Bach, Schubert, Haydn or Spohr. The second part was the performance of the choirs. Majority of the compositions Véronique Nebel Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher organized this concert sang were arranged and composed by local Arab talents. Among the selection were the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi or songs of Bishop Mansour Labaky. The choirs sang the beautiful Ave Maria de Caccini for the finale. The musical event was also an opportunity to hear the hymn of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher for the first time, recently written and arranged by Fr. Armando Pierucci, OFM, founder of the Magnificat Institute. Finally, the Swiss Lieutenancy hosted a cocktail where the local community shared with the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher their love for music. It was a wonderful cultural event. Louis-Marie de Linage Subscribe To subscribe free, write to: medialpj@latinpat.org Visit our website: www.lpj.org Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem P.O.B. 14152 Jerusalem 91141 Tel: + 972 2 628 23 23 Fax: + 972 2 627 16 52 Media office : meo@latinpat.org