Annual retreat of Vicariate's priests on Sea of Galilee

The priests working in the Vicariate at the service of the Hebrew speaking Catholic communities in Israel, went off together for four days of prayer. This year they spent these days in the Franciscan Sister's oasis on the Sea of Galilee, a wonderful place, overlooking the sea along side which Jesus began his ministry and called his first disciples. This year, the priests were seven in number and were joined by two more on the last day.

This year, the animators of the days of prayer were Father Giuseppe, parish priest of Tiberias and superior of the Koinonia John the Baptist community and Father Rafic, from the Jerusalem kehilla. They proposed as subject for reflection and prayer: "Being a disciple of Jesus". Each morning Father Giuseppe introduced the theme of the disciple in relationship and each afternoon Father Rafic commented Scripture passages that shed light on certain aspects of the relationships outlined by Father Giuseppe in the morning. The stimulating presentations led the priests into times of prayer and meditation, followed each day by a time of sharing. (See an outline of part of Father Giuseppe's presentation here).

The daily program included time for community prayer – matins, mass and vespers – as well as individual prayer time. Time was found also for conversation among the priests, a rich opportunity to exchange experiences from work in the field and to deepen the ties of friendship among the priests. Unfortunately, this year, two priests were absent and the two Russian speaking priests joined the others on the last day. The last day was a double celebration: the priests celebrated the 80th birthday of Father Gregor and the new arrival of Father Sergey, who will assist the Vicariate with the Russian speakers in the north of the country.

A special thanks is due to Sister Luisa of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who did everything to make these days unforgettable and we thank her and her assistant, Umm George, sincerely.