Feast of Saint Peter in the Jaffa kehilla

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Peter, a mass was celebrated in the church named for the saint in Jaffa. The solemn mass was celebrated by the Custos of the Holy Places in the Holy Land, Friar Pierbattista Pizzaballa, whose mandate was renewed for another three years on the previous Friday. The superior of the monastery, Father Apolinary, the priest of Saint Anthony, Father Ramzi, as well as a number of Franciscan and other priests came especially for this celebration.

The mass was celebrated in the church and like each year the various communities gathered together under one roof. The service was conducted in English, Hebrew and even Latin. In his homily, Father Pizzaballa spoke about the importance of unity in the Christian world and of those who believe in Jesus. The example of this unity was very clear to the eye as all the communities: Hebrew speaking, Latin American, English speaking Filipinos, the Polish community and representatives of the African community were all present in the church.

The beautiful songs, led by Benny, Matti and Sister Maria were in Hebrew, English and Spanish with the participation of the Filipino choir that accompanied the ceremony with their trained voices.

After the service, the members of the various communities were invited to a festive meal in the refectory and as one community, we enjoyed tasting the different dishes and delicacies from all parts of the world: Mexican beans, Polish salads, pizzas, Latin American pastries, Filipino noodles and cakes with a Russian and Israeli flavor – again an expression of the beauty in the diversity of all united in Christ.

That same day in the morning in Saint Savior Church in Jerusalem six new Franciscan priests and seven deacons were ordained and we all pray for their continued success in following Jesus.