The City Of Jericho Receives His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa With Great Joy
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
JERICHO - From February 12th, until February 13th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Parish of Jericho, Palestine, during which he prayed with the faithful, listened to their needs, and strengthened them in their faith amidst these difficult circumstances.
On Sunday morning, Father Mario Hadcheti, Parish Priest of Jericho, along with the Parish Council, and the children of the parish, welcomed His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the delegation accompanying him at the churchyard, saying: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." His Beatitude put on his stole and blessed everyone with the Holy Water before presiding over a Mass in celebration of the World Day of the Sick.
In his Homily, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa first thanked the priests, nuns, and parishioners for receiving him with a warm welcome, and said: "Amid this difficult time, I have decided to make several pastoral visits to be near my parishioners. Right before coming to you, I was at the parish of Ain Arik. I have come to you previously on several occasions, but today I am dedicated two days to be with you, to get more familiar with the life of the parish. Despite being a small parish in number, it is still crucial for me to come to you and get to know your needs on a personal level, which enables me to better take care of you. Let me encourage you with these words that despite your small number you are strong in the faith and have a great will and commitment to strive for the good of all, so take heart". And commenting on the gospel reading, which speaks of Jesus healing the leper, saying: "He first had to confess that he is unable to help himself in order to be made well, and this applies on all of us: We have to confess our weakness and need. Despite technological advancement, only Jesus Christ can save us from the evil of this world. Many think that the use of weapons can achieve that, but it only brings more evil. This reading reminds us that all humanity needs God to be saved and healed".
Then, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa anointed the sick, and invited everyone to pray the words spoken by the Leper: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
At the end, united in one accord they recited the prayer of Our Lady of Palestine, asking for the Virgin Mary's sweet intercession for the Land where she grew up, and sincerely loved.
After Mass, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa met the parishioners in the garden of the parish, where they presented him with a gift in appreciation of his efforts and care. The Sunday school children presented a variety of hymns…
This news was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Please click here to read the full text.
