(ZENIT News / Deir Rafat, 10.30.2024).- On Saturday, October 26th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly celebrations for the Feast of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, the main patroness of the Diocese, by presiding over a Solemn Mass, and procession, at the Shrine of Our Lady, in Deir Rafat.
In the face of adversity, over 2,000 Christians came together at the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Palestine in a spirit of devotion and prayer. Among the assembly were clergy, religious men and women, Seimnarists, Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher, the Knights of Malta, students from the Christian schools of Jerusalem, and faithful from various parishes of the diocese. In one voice they lifted their burdened hearts to heaven, praying for the Church and the people of the land, asking Our Lady to shield the Holy Land from all harm and renew their hearts with courage, faith, and love.
In his homily, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista addressed the role of the Virgin Mary as an intercessor and inspiration in times of crisis and difficulties. Reflecting on the reading from Revelation (Rev. 12, 3-4) he expressed that despite being faced with evil and violence in this world, we, the faithful, must trust in the power of love and life that transcends the forces of evil because «it is powerless against the power of love that generates life» which is represented by the «woman clothed with the sun». He reminded those present to bear witness to God’s kingdom through “work and words”, here in the Holy Land. He emphasized the need to build relationships based on dignity, justice, and peace, resisting the temptation to fall into fear, selfishness, and the pursuit of power. Despite the difficulties, it is faith in God’s power that illuminates the path toward peace and justice. While acknowledging the ongoing struggle and uncertainty in the Holy Land, he concluded by encouraging the faithful, reminding them that «evil will not have the final word in their lives or the life of the Holy Land.»
Before the final blessing, Msgr. William Shomali, the General Vicar, led a prayer to Our Lady Queen of Palestine, asking her to protect the land of her birth and to guide the faithful towards the triumph of truth and justice, accompanying them on their earthly journey toward heaven.
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