Saint Francis unites us

Every year, on October 4, in Jerusalem, the Franciscan brothers celebrate the feast of their founder – Saint Francis. And today, also, in the church of Saint Savior there was a solemn mass, commemorating this great saint. Many guests came to greet the Franciscans: representatives of different religious confessions, diplomatic personnel, religious brothers and sisters and laity. Among them there were also the members of our Hebrew speaking communities.

The mass was celebrated in Arabic and Latin. Organ music and the beautiful singing of the choir created a special spiritual atmosphere. As usual, after the mass guests went down to the hall to greet the Franciscan brothers, to have light refreshment and to communicate with friends. To their surprise, entering the hall they heard beautiful music – a children's brass band from Akko played Handel's "Alleluia". The band, (35 members) was established two and a half years ago and consists of children aged 12 to 14. Most of them are students of the Franciscan Terra Santa School in Acre. The band brings together children from Christian, Muslim and Jewish families. Two months ago they retuned from Italy, where they had very successful performances. The young musicians played classical and popular music for us. Boris, the artistic director of the band, (himself originally from Belorussia) told us that the children participate in the orchestra with great enthusiasm. Music unites them and has made them good friends. In Acre there are five more children and youth bands. Concluding the concert, the young musicians performed an Israeli song "Lo Nafsik Lashir" (We will not stop singing). The grateful audience warmly expressed its approval.

So, the feast dedicated to Saint Francis was over. Even now, 800 years after his death, this great saint knows how to warm hearts with love and shows us how to live in joy and peace.