JERICHO - From February 12th, until February 13th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the parish of Jericho, during which he prayed with the faithful, listened to their needs, and strengthened them in their faith amidst these difficult circumstances.
On Sunday morning, Fr. Mario Hadcheti, parish priest of Jericho, along with the Parish Council, and the children of the parish, welcomed H.B. Card. 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, the Cardinal 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, H.B. 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, Cardinal 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.
And during his visit to Jericho, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa met with the religious, political, and community figures from the governorate and the municipality, during which he expressed to them the church's support to work for the good of the country and its people.
In the afternoon, H.B. administered the Sacrament of Baptism to a Baby girl called Selina Mikhail, in the presence of her family, who are originally from Gaza and are currently residents of Jericho.
At the end of the first day, he held a spiritual meeting with the Marian group of the parish, in the presence of the parish priest and Fr. Simon Hora. It was followed by another spiritual meeting with the family Committee. H.B. Card. Pizzaballa highlighted to the two groups the need to pray continuously for the young of the parish and encourage them to commit to their faith, church, and homeland despite all the challenges they face.
The Second day of the Visit was focused on field trips to the Kindergarten, and Terra Sancta School, near the parish. Accompanied by his delegation, he toured different classrooms, and departments of the school, as well as met with the administrative and educational staff. Also, he visited the Good Shepherd sports hub, and the Seed Foundation, who welcomed him with joy and presented H.B. a token of gratitude for his continuous support. He ended his tour by visiting the Franciscan Sisters.
