We present a brief newsfeed highlighting some of last week's celebrations and events, both within our diocese and internationally.
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s visit to Ireland
His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conducted a visit to Ireland, from Thursday, July 18th until Sunday, July 21st, 2024. The Cardinal presided over the Investiture Ceremony for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in Ireland at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. This ecclesiastical ceremony is usually held for two days where new candidates of the Order promise to live an upright Christian life according to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church. They are held in churches throughout the Order’s lieutenancies.
At St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, located in Dublin, Card. Pizzaballa concelebrated Sunday’s Mass, which was presided over by Archbishop Dermot Farrell Archbishop of Dublin, and Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, in the presence of several members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
While reflecting on Sunday’s Psalm of the Good Shepherd, Archbishop Farrell, welcomed H.B. Card. Pizzaballa, saying: “The psalmist is more than aware of the brokenness and darkness of life…Our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land in both communities know firsthand what it means to walk in the valley of darkness. Your presence here this morning calls us to embrace the work of the Shepherd and to trust in the banquet that the Lord himself has prepared for all peoples (Isa 25:6). On behalf of the Church in Dublin, I offer you our support in prayer and deed”.
During his visit, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa was interviewed by Fr. Bill Kemmy on behalf of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference. In the interview, he discussed the current state of the parish in Gaza since October 7th, his recent pastoral visit, and shared his reflections on the situation.
Click here to view all the pictures!
Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Salwa Isaed
In an atmosphere of thanksgiving and joy, several clergy members and faithful gathered on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, at the Church of the Visitation, in Zababdeh, to offer a Mass of thanksgiving in celebration of 25 years of religious service for Sr. Salwa Isaed, from the daughters of St. Anne.
Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, presided over the Silver Jubilee Mass, along with Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Fr. Elias Tabban, parish priest of Zababdeh, Fr. Yazan Bader, vicar priest of Zababdeh, Fr. Labib Deibes, and Fr. Firas Diab, Priest of St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Zababdeh.
In his homily, Msgr. William Shomali welcomed all the attendees and emphasized the power of God that works in the weakness of the consecrated person who was called not out of merit but out of love, faith, and humility.
Sr. Isaed chose the motto for her silver jubilee - "I will sing of your mercy forever, LORD, proclaim your faithfulness through all ages." (Psalm 89:2) This reflects her gratitude for God's endless gifts in her life and her commitment to continue declaring His glory to others.
"The celebration was marked by piety, simplicity, and family," she said. She shared, "I grew up here in the parish of Zababdeh, where I discovered the Lord's calling upon my life. He called me to leave my people and hometown to serve brothers and sisters through the spirituality of St. Anne. Over my 25 years of service, I have met thousands I now consider family in various places and parishes in our Holy Land, including Palestine, Galilee, Jordan, and Egypt”.
Opening of the Eleventh Annual Canon Law Conference 2024
On Sunday, July 21st, 2024, the Ecclesiastical Courts of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem across the diocese inaugurated the Eleventh Annual Canon Law Conference at the Dead Sea in Jordan. The conference will continue until next Sunday, July 28th, 2024.
Judges from Catholic Ecclesiastical Courts in various Arab countries are attending the conference, which features numerous meetings, discussions, and lectures aimed at enhancing the skills and experience of the participants.
For the first time, this year's conference will include a workshop for psychologists and social workers to help support families in need of guidance and assistance.
The opening session was marked by the attendance of Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, the Dean of the Roman Rota Court, accompanied by several members of the Vatican Court.
