Christmas in the world and in our communities

The Christian world celebrated the birthday of Jesus on Thursday night and on Friday. The faithful thanked God for the stupendous gift he gave us in his only son, our Messiah and our Lord, who was born as a baby to Mary, daughter of Israel, in Bethlehem.

In Rome, the Pope celebrated the central mass in the Basilica of Saint Peter at 10.00 in the evening. During the procession at the beginning of the ceremony, a young woman jumped over the security barrier and pulled the Pope to the ground (see a video of the event). Within seconds, his aides helped him up and he continued on his way to the altar where he began the mass in a strong and tranquil voice. However, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, 87 years old (a friend of our communities who participated in the ordination of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Gourion, Vicar of the communities, in 2003), also fell to the ground and was hospitalized with a broken femur. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Read the homily of the Pope here

In Bethlehem, thousands of faithful filled Nativity Square and the lucky ones, who had special tickets, could enter the Church of Saint Catherine, for the central mass of the diocese of Jerusalem, celebrated by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal. He was surrounded by tens of priests from all over the world.

Read the homily of the Patriarch here

In the Hebrew-speaking community in Jaffa, Father David, Vicar for the communities, celebrated the mass at 8.00 on the eve of the feast and he was assisted by Father Gregor and Father Giuseppe. More than fifty members of the community filled the small chapel and some of the faithful sat on carpets that covered part of the floor. Among those present, there were also Santa Claus and his assistant in traditional dress. A special choir, made up of members of the community as well as Sinead and Lioba from Koinonia Giovanni Battista sang songs throughout the ceremony. After the prayer, the participants were able to taste from the delicious cakes and pastries that had been prepared in one of the rooms in the monastery. There Santa Claus distributed gifts to the children.

In the Jerusalem Hebrew speaking community, Father Apolinary celebrated the evening mass at 9.00 and assisting him were a group of priests who attend the Jerusalem community. Before the mass, the festive meal took place with some of the members of the community who prepared the joyful atmosphere of the holiday. Together with the faithful of the community, a group of 15 Israeli pupils and a group of Italian pilgrims filled the chapel. On Christmas day, the members of the community came together again for mass celebrated by Father David, the Vicar. Tali, from the Jerusalem community, sent us this report:

"The Christmas Day celebration in Jerusalem was a natural continuation of Christmas eve. On the eve of the feast, the chapel was full and some of the faithful had to stand for parts of the mass. The atmosphere was festive, truly joyful, expressed both in the mass and in the small party held afterwards.

On the day of the feast, there was a representation of the other Hebrew speaking communities (from Beer Sheba and Haifa) and of course the faithful of the Jerusalem community. A special guest was Mother Maria, of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who speaks excellent Hebrew. The youngest members were well represented, three toddlers. Father David pointed out that they remind us of the Baby Jesus and are an important part of the atmosphere of the feast. They behaved exemplarily, chased after and occupied by their fathers. After the mass, which was celebrated in great joy, with heartfelt singing, moving readings and an interesting homily preached by Father Apolinary, we all gathered for a delicious reception, but most importantly to continue the joyful celebration.

After the food, there was a community party. We sang songs in different languages: Hebrew, Polish, Ukrainian, English, Syriac (language of the Maronites), Flemish, German and French and members (young and old) read poems they had written for the occasion.

Read some of the poems here

The toddlers showed they too knew how to sing and run around, however, again they behaved very well. Even the beautiful Christmas tree was left intact without serious damage even after the toddlers had given it their attention. After the singing, presents were distributed to all present, to the special delight of the children."

The joy was great in the Beer Sheba Hebrew speaking community too. Father Gioele sent us this brief report:

"At 6.30 on the eve of the feast we began with a vigil: we sang Christmas songs in Hebrew and in the various languages of the believers present and we listened to the story of the annunciation to Mary. Afterwards, we celebrated mass. The church was full and the joy was great. At the end, we had a party around the manger and the Christmas tree. There were many children and many adults from all over the world."