Desert Flower in Jerusalem - February, 2016

The youth group met on Friday at the Jerusalem kehilla. After the introductory meeting, a game that underlined the diversity of the believers in the Church and dinner, the members of the group participated in the meditation led by Benedetto, seminarian in the Vicariate. The text chosen was Mark 5,1-20 (Jesus restores a possessed man). The meeting in small groups and discussion was then followed by a time of silence during which there was a possibility of confession or a talk with three priests available (Fathers Apolinary, Alberto and Piotr).

Accommodation for the night was offered by the Lutheran Church of Finland, who own a large property in Jerusalem and who also welcome the children in the afterschool program at the Vicariate once a week. Morning prayer, led by Sinead was followed by lessons in two groups: as usual, the younger members with Father Piotr, the older ones with Father Apolinary.

After the lessons we visited the Latin Patriarchate (the Co-cathedral Church) and the Notre Dame Church, as well as the Monastery of San Salvatore. Lunch was in the form of a picnic by the walls of the Old City. During the visit to the Holy Sepulcher Basilica, we participated in the Lent procession of the Franciscan Friars together with the Latin Patriarch. There was also a short meeting with Friars Clovis, Zacchaeus and Ayman. Those who were able to stay longer participated in the evening mass at the Jerusalem kehilla.

We express our gratitude to the Finnish Church for the possibility of staying for the night in their beautiful place in Jerusalem.