Feast of St Anthony in Jerusalem

Every year, on June 13, the Custody of the Holy Land celebrates the Feast of St Anthony of Padua, its patron and protector, with special solemnity. Again this year the parish church of St. Savior in the Old City of Jerusalem was full of people. Parishioners, religious men and women, believers of other communities, all came together for prayer. The mass was celebrated by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM. Among the important guests were representatives of different Churches and diplomats. Some members of the kehillot of Jerusalem and Haifa also came to participate with joy and in friendship in the joint prayer that was celebrated in Arabic and Latin.

The organ music, the singing of the choir (consisting of adult and young singers) created a special spiritual atmosphere and united all those present in deep prayer. After the mass, light refreshments were served to the guests.

In the morning, in the streets of the Old City, boys aged 1 to 3 attracted special attention from the tourists. They were dressed in the garb of the Franciscan friars. Arab Christians, parishioners of the Custody of the Holy Land, have a touching tradition – as a sign of a vow made to St. Anthony, they dress their little sons in the garb of their beloved saint.

Saint Anthony, may your prayers bring peace to the Holy Land!