On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the First Sunday of Advent, Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar General, celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Annunciation Latin Church in Beit Jala. During the liturgy, seminarian Fadi Munzer Kandah from the parish of Mafraq was instituted as a Lector, while seminarian Fayez Ziadat from the parish of Fuheis was vested with the seminary cassock.
The celebration was attended by H.E. Msgr. Yacoub Ephrem Semaan, Syro-Catholic Patriarchal Exarch of Jerusalem, Fr. Jihad Shweihat, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, Fr. Bernard Poggi, Rector of the Latin Patriarchal Seminary of Beit Jala, along with several priests, religious sisters, the mayor of Beit Jala, and members of the faithful.
In his homily, Msgr. Shomali highlighted the spiritual meaning of the Sacred vestments worn by the Seminarians, stating: "The garment you will wear is an outward sign of Christ’s presence among the faithful. Live in a way that honors its significance, reflecting Christ through your actions." Addressing the newly instituted lector, he said: "Delve deeply into the Word of God, meditating on it regularly so you can proclaim it clearly and effectively at all times. Fulfill your mission to train others in reading and meditating on the Scriptures, as well as in fostering prayer within the community, particularly among youth groups."
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Poggi expressed his gratitude to the bishops, priests, and attendees for their participation, urging everyone to pray for priestly vocations to arise and help serve the Diocese of Jerusalem.
