Benny: Feast of the Beit Jala Seminary

“How good and pleasant it is, brothers sitting together”. This is a well known and beloved refrain. There are moments in life when this refrain becomes a real, lived experience. Today, it happened to me again. Together with the other seminarians in the Holy Land (Latin Patriarchate, Franciscans, Salesians and Missionaries of Africa) we met for a half day of games, prayer and community time.

The atmosphere that was created was splendid in that we spent long hours together in great simplicity, fun and friendship. The seminarians from Beit Jala, who hosted us, organized a program of activities that was very successful, with a perfect balance in order that we would have lots of fun without forgetting spirituality and prayer.

After a few hours of football (a real championship with three teams, according to the “orders”), we gathered in the church and prayed evening prayer in three languages: Italian, Arabic and Latin.

Father Rafiq, the spiritual father of the Seminary, in his homily, reminded us how important it is that priests of the future be both intellectually capable and spiritual at the same time. He also emphasized that this is what the people of God expected. It sounded to something very important to remember. These words were received with great gravity and responsibility and provoked me to think about whether I am exerting enough effort in my studies and whether I am always aware that I am not studying for myself.

The evening ended with a wonderful dinner and the giving of prizes to the winners – this year, the Franciscans.

I feel the need to give thanks to God who called me to serve Him in this country; a country so rich in wonderful people who are searching His paths. Thank you to all those who watch over me on this way, those who support me with their prayers, to all the members of the kehillot who made me a home in their hearts, and not least of all, to all my brothers, from all the different streams who share this joy with me.

“How good and pleasant it is, brothers sitting together”