Feast of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in Nazareth

Every year the Holy Family Community in Nazareth (HFFCN), like other Filipino Communities in the Holy Land, celebrates the feast of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. This took place on September 26, 2015, the date closest to the 28th of the same month, the real date of celebration according to the Latin calendar. This was also one of the reasons why nobody among us could attend the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Work of Saint James at Kiryat Yearim, although we did remember the occasion in prayer. We also prayed for a community member, Joel Tumambing, who was scheduled to fly back to the Philippines on the 28th due to a serious ailment. May he recover fully, especially as he returns to his loved ones!

Around fifty came for the celebration of the Mass at Mensa Christi. Thereafter, we moved to the Pilgrims’ Point of Casa Nova, where each group presented a dance number, starting with Afula, then going up to Nazareth, and again down to Migdal Ha-Emeq. Especially the first two were quite colorful, but the very last one ended rather boisterously and very participative of all. Then we shared a hearty Filipino meal (kamayan) although not all could stand at the set table since there was not enough space for all. Some had to rest content with getting some food from the table on plastic plates.

Soon after the meal, those from Afula and farther went back to their flats and/or to their places of work. The Community was thanked for the cooperation in the activities. It is hoped that such bonding will foster greater solidarity among members. May San Lorenzo Ruiz, our first Filipino saint, a family man and a catechist, intercede for us all in witnessing joyfully to our faith especially in the midst of difficulties.