JERUSALEM - On Monday, January 1st, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass at the Pro-Cathedral, in celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of the Eternal Son of God, which is God himself, and the annual celebration of The World Day of Peace, asking for the peace of God to reign in this new year. Concelebrating was Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, as well as several Bishops, and priests: in the presence of Italian Consul, different religious and consecrated sisters, as well as the faithful of Jerusalem.
Despite the difficult circumstances we are faced with, our faith remains, as we raise our hands towards Our Lady, and Mother, the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession and compassion for her children. She who kept all things in her heart, meditating on the mysteries of the Son of God (Luke 2: 19) invites us today to contemplate with her the mystery of the Nativity anew. Meditating on the small child who is the Lord of all, she helps us welcome him in our hearts to change our wounded nature, so forgiveness and peace can dwell among us, and spread to the rest of the world.
“From the beginning of history, until today, man is faced with the free and responsible decision of how to relate to the other, how and on what to build his existence. And unfortunately, often, we recognize that at the center of one's existence is the law of God cannot be found,” said Card. Pizzaballa, in his homily. “Without God or, worse, when God is used to justifying power choices of any kind, the world is easily at the mercy of those who desire to divide and destroy”. He also noted that true peace begins with repentance and a true return to God, saying: “Peace, then, the real peace, the peace built on a sincere desire for encounter, welcome and fraternity, requires a path of conversion. First, it involves changing the way we think, freeing one’s heart from the spirit of violence, conquest, and revenge. We all need to repent, to purify our outlook on the events of life, to build a culture of beauty. There is no peace without conversion. We cannot live and speak of peace if our hearts are not turned to God, if our lives are not truly inhabited by his presence, and if we do not feel the need to ask, day after day, for his forgiveness. If we are not capable of gestures of tenderness and trust”. He concluded: “Christianity is marked by our choices of reconciliation, dialogue, service, closeness, and peace. Not by our strength, possession, or prestige. For us, Christians, the other is not a rival; he is a brother….We, with Christ, are for all.
At the end of Mass, Cardinal Filoni expressed his delight for being present here, in the Holy Land: "On my pilgrimage for peace, and solidarity to the people of this land, I bring with me the support and love of the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher. I express to you our concern for your affection and concern regarding the events that have afflicted the Holy Land. Pope Francis and many bishops have been earnestly demanding an end to this war, and for the peaceful coexistence between all the inhabitants of this land. We all know that war is not from God". At the end, he invited those preset and watching online through the livestream, to recite a special prayer for the Holy Land.
H.B. Card. Pizzaballa also thanked Fr. Pietro Filet of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram, for his many years of service as director of liturgical ceremonies and Secretary of the Council of bishops in the Holy Land, who is leaving for Italy for a new service.
May this new year be full of blessings for all!
