Easter 2024 in St. James Vicariate

Beer Sheva

This year in Be’er Sheva, many believers participated in prayers every day of the Paschal Triduum. Unlike last year when most of the participants were from the community itself, this time many Indian sisters and brothers also came. Every day, our chapel was full, and of course, especially on the Vigil night, when one of our friends was baptized, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and the First Communion. This year, we managed much better to integrate the two languages—Hebrew and English—in our liturgy. The harmony between the two languages in the scriptures and songs added to the beauty of the ceremonies. Also, this year, following the tradition of the Beer Sheva community, we held a festive meal on Holy Thursday. And the truth is, the refreshments on Saturday night, after the Vigil Mass, were no less festive. Thank you to everyone who joined in the prayers and supported the celebrations.

Jaffa

During Holy Thursday, a large number of people gathered for the solemn liturgy, which included the washing of feet. There was also significant attendance on Good Friday.

On Saturday night, members of the Jaffa community came together for the Easter Vigil Night ceremony. Br. Mark sang the beautiful hymn “Ranenu HaShamayim - Exsultet.” Two adults were baptized, confirmed and received the Holy Communion during that Vigil Mass. After the prayer, we shared a meal. Before eating, we recited a traditional food blessing for the Passover meal. That night at St. Peter’s Church, five more Holy Masses were celebrated in different languages. On Easter day, many people attended the Lord’s Supper, and similar to the previous day, there was also a festive refreshment. It was an Easter filled with joy and blessings.

Jerusalem

In the Jerusalem community, three days unfolded, leaving an indelible mark. Each day witnessed enthusiastic participation, and the chapel remained consistently full.

Thursday: Following a ceremony, one group embarked on a contemplative journey to Gethsemane. Amidst the trees of the “Romitaggio,” a Franciscan hermitage that offers solace year-round, they engaged in an hour of silent prayer. Simultaneously, another group remained in the chapel, seeking their own spiritual experience.

Friday: Some individuals came for confession during the morning hours. However, the majority of believers gathered at 2:00 PM, preparing for another session of silent prayer. At 3:00 PM, the liturgy of the Passion of the Lord commenced. Shortly afterward, a group set out for Notre Dame, where Fr. Benny provided insights into the exhibition of the Holy Shroud of Turin.

Easter Night: The celebration began with the ceremonial lighting of the holy fire in the community’s backyard. Over the course of two hours, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and received blessings for the holiday.

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection Mass commenced at 6:00 PM, followed by joyous refreshments, music, and dancing.

These days were filled with reverence, reflection, and celebration, leaving an enduring impact on the Jerusalem community.

Haifa

In the community of Haifa, Holy Week opens with the visit of our vicar, Fr. Piotr, who, after entering in procession with palms and singing "Hosannah!", reminds us of how all the characters in the Gospel of the Passion of Lord, may they be a reflection of our lives, and that we can reflect ourselves in each of them. On Holy Thursday we gather to celebrate Mass in Coena Domini. Despite the small number of participants, the Lord passed through this celebration reminding us that he made himself the least, and that he came to serve and not to be served, and he reminds us of this very clearly through the rite of the washing of the feet. After the celebration we ate some dessert together, to celebrate the day on which the Lord founded the sacrament of the Eucharist.

On Friday we gather again for the celebration of the cross, in which, after having once again proclaimed the passion of the Lord, we welcomed, adored and kissed his glorious cross, and through it we were able to embrace the cross that each of us is called to bring into our lives. At the end of the celebration, we enter into silence, until Holy Saturday, when we find ourselves in church to celebrate Christ's victory over evil and death. After the rite of light, in which the Exultet is proclaimed, all the readings of the history of salvation are proclaimed, up to the Gospel of the resurrection. At the end of the vigil, with great participation of the whole community, we dine together, in the joy of the risen Christ who, precisely on this night, destroyed our death.

Haifa Russian Speaking

The Easter Triduum in Haifa commenced with the traditional Mass of Remembrance of the Last Supper on Thursday. As it turned out, there were not twelve men willing to participate in the washing of feet; the men were rather shy. Consequently, women stepped in to fill the vacant positions of “apostles.”

On Good Friday, the parish presented the Mystery of the Passion of Christ, involving many participants. This production had been meticulously prepared over a period of two months. While not everything went smoothly initially, the parish had the guidance of a professional director who worked closely with each artist and the entire team. Even during the dress rehearsal, not everything was flawless, but when the premiere took place, it was nothing short of remarkable. Some spectators later confessed that they were moved to tears, feeling deeply connected to the events unfolding on stage. The mystery play became an emotional prayer, allowing the parishioners to experience Christ’s suffering before Easter. The hope is to continue this tradition of spiritual theater.

And finally, on Saturday, a Solemn Mass was held. The choir sang the Te Deum, and the church was adorned with many flowers. Afterward, as is customary, there was tea accompanied by Easter cakes. Indeed, Christ is risen!

Latrun Russian Speaking

The Russian Speaking Community in Latrun celebrated Triduum in Emmaus Nicopolis, in the beautiful ruins of the Byzantine Basilica from 5-7th century that was restored by Crusaders during the 12th century. The Mass of Holy Thursday was celebrated by fr. Jose Albeza who washed the feet of the participants. The same priest celebrated the Liturgy of Good Friday. The Vigil Mass was celebrated by fr. Michal. The solemn dinner after Mass took place in the museum of Emaus. Many thanks to the Community of Beatitudes for hosting the Triduum of Russian Speaking Catholics.

Tiberias

In Tiberias, we began our Easter celebrations on Holy Thursday with Holy Mass, with about 60 people present. We put into practice Jesus’ commandment to love one another, by washing each other’s feet. On Good Friday we began with the Stations of the Cross in the courtyard of the church and afterwards we continued with the Good Friday liturgy. There were about 80 people who participated. Our celebration culminated on Saturday night with the Easter Vigil, with about 110 people present, among whom many were parishioners, but also several guests. We all had a strong experience of the light shining through the darkness - represented by the candles that were lit. The church was filled with the joy of the Risen Christ. After the Vigil, we raised a toast in our dining room and shared the food that everyone had brought. During the whole Triduum we had the joy to have with us our local parishioners, as well as brothers and sisters from the Philippines and India, and also several soldiers from Fiji - from the UNDOF mission.