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With lots of happiness and joy, and hearts full of love and invocation, His Beatitude Monsignor Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided his first ceremonial mass at St. Savior's Parish Church, on Sunday, 6th July, 2008.
The mass started with a welcoming word by Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, in which he welcomed the new Patriarch Fouad Twal for taking his post as the rite-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the entire diocese: in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, and the Hebrew-speaking community.Fr. Faltas expressed on behalf of the parish his trust and support to the Patriarch, praising his constructive steps that aims to glorify the name of the Lord, and reaping spiritual fruits to all humanity.Fr. Faltas continued his speech, wishing his Beatitude strength and grace in his new post, asking God to grant him patience and consistency to move forward following the footsteps of early Christians, in order to supplement his letter that calls for planting seeds of faith and love among the people of the Holy Land, and beseeching God to ease the violence between people, and reduce intolerance in human-relations, and remove the occupation of the Holy Land.Next, His Beatitude Fouad Twal thanked the faithful, whom are witnesses of Christ on earth, encouraging them to pray for the priests, bishops, and clergy-men, and reminding them of their duties towards the church.During the mass, several offerings were presented from different groups, namely: Legion of Mary, Secular Franciscan Order, the Choir, Arab Catholic Scouts group, JOC, Franciscan Working Movement, Al-Raja' band, Youth Programme "I am Here", University Students (joussour- Bridges), Children Without Borders, Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Mar Mansour), Sunday School, the community in Beit- Safafa, the elderly, the parish logo, and bread and wine. After the mass, a reception was held at the convent's hall, where the faithful exchanged greetings welcomed the new Patriarch. |
