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A New Patriarch for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem |
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Friday, 11 July 2008 |
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All Christians, have celebrated, with deep pleasure and joy, the installation of Archbishop Fouad Twal, who took his post as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, succeeding the former predecessor Archbishop Michael Sabbah, who stepped down after reaching the retirement age of 75 according to the canon law.
The Pontifical Ceremonial mass on Saturday June 21st, 2008A Solemn Pontifical mass of thanksgiving was held last Saturday, 21st June, 2008, in Gethsemane, where Patriarch Michael Sabbah finished his duties, handing the mission and responsibility, to his successor His Beatitude Fouad Twal, who took his post as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the entire diocese: in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, and the Hebrew-speaking community.The mass started by reading the letter of gratitude from Pope Benedict XVI, for the approval of appointing Archbishop Fouad Twal, as the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and thanking former Patriarch for his service and wise leadership of the Patriarchate for the past 20 years.His Eminence Cardinal John Patrick Foley, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order, concelebrated the mass, along with His Excellency Nuncio and Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Antonio Franco, and the Very Reverend Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land, together with the Bishop Salim Sayegh Latin Patriarchate Vicar of Jordan, Bishop Giancinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchate Vicar for Israel, Archbishop of Kuwait Camillo Belny, and representatives of all authorities: Israelis and Palestinians, and 150 priest from different churches, and a crowd of faithful.New Patriarch Fouad Twal expressed the need to continue the message of his predecessor, Patriarch Michael Sabbah, concerning the inter-dialogue between church leaders, and the three religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, to search better ways of establishing justice and world peace. The Celebration on Sunday June 22nd , 2008The first Solemn Entry of Patriarch Fouad Twal took place, into the Basilica of Resurrection: the Holy Sepulchre, on Sunday, 22nd June, 2008, as the new Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the entire diocese: in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, and the Hebrew-speaking community. The CelebrationThe procession started from the Latin Patriarchate-Hebron Gate, preceded by the Scouts and the (Kawas), to the forecourt of the Holy Sepulcher, where the place was full of joy and happiness.After that, His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal stopped to kneel at the Stone of Anointing, in front of the church gate, and headed towards Tomb of salvation. AttendanceFr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land addressed warm words of welcome to His Beatitude for being the successor of the apostles chosen our Lord Jesus, to announce the Good News on earth in simplicity and truth. Then, a welcoming speech followed by Latin Patriarchate Vicar of Jordan, Bishop Salim Sayegh, to Patriarch Fouad Twal.Afterwards, The Custos of the Holy Land read the Holy Bible in front of His Eminence Cardinal John Patrick Foley, Grand Master of the Order, accompanied by a number of bishops, consulates, the group coming from Jordan, representatives of churches and nations, and a crowd of faithful. The Patriarch’s Homily His Beatitude, Patriarch Fouad Twal expressed his trust: in God, as he said: "Just as the distance from Golgotha to the empty Tomb is short, so is, we know, the distance from death to Resurrection. That is why there is no reason to be afraid". Then, trust in the church of the Holy Land and its faithful: "My confidence is also nourished by all the spiritual, human and ecclesiastical riches of this diocese".Also, His Beatitude made three appeals, in his address: An appeal to the leaders of nations in conflict, encouraging them to find just solutions. A second one, to the international community, inviting them to have sense of responsibility, courage and justice, which will help the population of the region to make just decisions.And a last one, to the faithful of the three monotheistic religions and of the various Christian denominations in this Holy city: "Lets us continue to deepen our dialogue, to reinforce our solidarity in charity and to pursue our meetings in this spirit".After that, the procession returned to the Patriarchate, where everyone was able to pay homage to the new Patriarch of Jerusalem, in his apostolic seat. The Pontifical Ceremonial mass on Monday June 23rd, 2008The first ceremonial mass to Patriarch Fouad Twal was held in the Holy Sepulcher, on Monday, 23rd June, 2008, concelebrated by His Eminence Cardinal John Patrick Foley, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order, and a large number of priests, along with a crowd faithful, and the Jordanian group which came specially for this occasion.After reading the Bible, Patriarch Fouad Twal preached a spiritual homily, asking for the Lord's blessings, to derive strength and wisdom, in order to move forward and serve the church generously. Then, he focussed on our role as Christians, being ready to forgive, love and rely on the blessings of God in everything. A Ceremonial mass on Tuesday June 24th, 2008The city of Ramallah received the new Patriarch Fouad Twal warmly, in his first official visit there, to preside a celebrating mass in the Holy Family Latin Church in Ramallah.The procession of welcoming the new Patriarch, started from Al-Manara, led by the Palestinian Holy Family scout, preceded by the city governor, Dr. Sa'eed Abu Ali, together with representatives of civil authorities, along with clergymen, and Arab diplomatic corps. The city governor welcomed the Patriarch Fouad Twal on behalf of President Abu Mazen, and wished him a long life, and a fruitful mission. He also talked about fraternal-relationship between Moslems and Christians in the Holy Land. Conferring the Holy Order of Diaconate to Johnny Abu KhalilPatriarch Fouad Twal, presided a ceremonial mass, at the Holy Family church, conferring the Holy Order of Diaconate to Johnny Abu Khalil, from Jerusalem. After the mass, a reception was held at the convent hall, where the faithful exchanged greetings. |
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