Indian Advent walk to Bethlehem


The Indian Chaplaincy organized a pilgrim procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Saturday, December 10, 2016.

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It has become an annual event in the life of the Indian community in the Holy Land. As an expression of their love for and devotion to the Baby Jesus, they march the trail of the Holy Family.

The procession began at 9.30 at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. Fr. Tojy Jose OFM, the chaplain, welcomed everybody to the event and it was blessed by Very Rev. Father Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, in the presence of fathers David Neuhaus SJ, Latin Patriarchal Vicar, Dominic Mendonsa OP, Lucas OP, Lawrence OP, Jose Kumar Betharam, Santhosh Lobo OFM Cap and Deacon Br. Dennis OP. In his message, Father Custos, exhorted the people to keep up the devotion to the child Jesus and continue to seek His blessings.

The procession was characterized by the singing of carols and the praying of the rosary. The energetic dance of Santa Clauses to the tune of the musical band and the singing of Santa cape clad faithful stole the attention of the Israelis and Palestinians on the road to Bethlehem. About 2500 people participated in this procession.

The procession reached Bethlehem at 12.45 and Holy Mass was celebrated in Konkani at St. Catherine’s Church and in Malayalam at the Sacred Heart Church of the Salesians.

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