JERUSALEM - On Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the House of Abraham, H.E. Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, blessed a prayer path for the pilgrims, before the thanksgiving Mass celebrating the 60 years of the House of Abraham, founded upon the request of St Paul VI, to be a place of welcome and prayer for all in the thrice-holy city.
A volunteer reminisced, “Hospitality enables some people to unknowingly welcome Angels into their homes.” For Msgr. Shomali, the essence of the hospitality at the House of Abraham lies in seeing the Divine in every guest. This exceptional hospitality has been a hallmark of the House of Abraham for 60 years.
Starting with an icon of the Angels' visit to Abraham, created by Sister Marie Paul, a Benedictine nun from the Mount of Olives who passed away in 2019, the pathway below the House of Abraham’s garden and terraces provides a shaded retreat. This path features 15 ceramic tile steles with quotations from the Holy Scriptures. It concludes with another icon by Sister Marie Paul, depicting the washing of the feet, where Christ exemplifies the theological virtues embodied in Abraham's hospitality.
Mass was celebrated in front of the ramparts of the Old City, by Msgr. Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, President of the Conférence des Evêques de France. Concelebrating were Msgr. William Shomali, Fr. Frederic Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church, and Fr Natale Albino, representing the Apostolic Nunciature.
Among the attendees were many bishops, priests, and religious sisters, the Consul General of France in Jerusalem, the Director of the Secours Catholique, and the directors of the Pontifical Mission and Caritas in Jerusalem. The Al Raja choir accompanied the faithful in their prayers during the ceremony.
In his homily, Msgr. de Moulins-Beaufort meditated on the mystery of the Son of Man's abasement to the point of his death on the Cross, inviting everyone to follow Christ in seeking the path to eternal life through love and self-giving.
In the many tributes and thanks that followed the ceremony, the deep trust and friendship between Abraham's House and the people of Silwan were clearly apparent. This was particularly highlighted by the presence of the Association for the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Ras El Amud, led by Mrs. Abeer Zaied.
The day concluded with a stunning instrumental concert by the GHEILAN trio, three brothers from Silwan.
Like Abraham, who hoped against hope, the House of Abraham is like an oasis, a place of Peace, a home for all, which is what Jerusalem is called to become.
