The patriarchal vicar describes a climate of expectation and participation, despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Only 50 people will be present at the Holy Sepulchre. Previously the administrator, now he will be a real pastor. The Holy Land without pilgrims is "a desolation", the hope pilgrimages will start again "after Easter".
Palestinian Maher Al-Akhras freed after months on hunger strike
| ISRAEL - PALESTINE"The hope of the world lies completely in the blessing of God" who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The 4 sisters killed in El Salvador 40 years ago "lived their faith with great generosity: they are an example for all to become faithful missionary disciples".
In addition to masks, social distancing and hand washing, there is the risk of an "afternoon" Christmas Mass, or indeed none altogether: The European Union is suggesting the elimination of all liturgical celebrations, replacing them with online events! We argue about the time of Mass, while we are getting used to the fact that the state is a "healthcare" state that manages (instead of serving) our wellbeing. Christmas is the Life that enters darkness and the shadow of death: The Child Jesus of the oriental icons is wrapped as in a shroud, similar to that of Christ in the tomb.
Francis sends a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch on the feast day of Saint Andrew, teh Patriarchate’s patron saint. The "primary duty" of Christians is to offer an example of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation to a world where war will end when people realise that they are brothers and sisters.
During the Angelus, Pope Francis noted that "The Lord never abandons us" and this can help overcome "fear and discouragement" along with "pessimism, closure, and apathy" at this time of pandemic. The pontiff urged the faithful to pray for the new cardinals.
Commentary (in Italian) on the Gospel of the Sunday before Advent B (Mark 13:33-37).
At the Altar of the Chair in St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the new cardinals created in yesterday’s consistory. “[W]hy should we be caught up with earthly concerns?” “Why should we look for ‘patrons’ to help advance our career?” “Some people seem to think that being compassionate, helping and serving others is for losers. Yet these are the only things that win us the victory”. “When the Church worships God and serves our neighbour, she does not live in the night. However weak and weary, she journeys towards the Lord.”
During the consistory held at the Altar of the chair, Pope Francis placed the biretta on 13 new cardinals. Those from the Philippines and Brunei were absent due to problems related to the pandemic. All the cardinals wore masks and stood at a distance from each other. One of the new cardinals, Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, delivered the opening greetings.
The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is launching a campaign to invite young people to spread the "virtual hugs" exchanged with the elderly online with the initiative "The elderly are your grandparents".
A survey by the PCPO, a research institute led by Nabil Kukali, a Christian, shows that 81 per cent do not trust Israel "to various degrees”, 59 per cent oppose re-establishing relations, and 52 per cent are hostile to peace negotiations. The “bad” economic situation is the motive for those who support renewed cooperation with Israel.
At the general audience, Francis recalls that the Church it consists of listening to the teaching of the apostles, custody of shared communion, the breaking of bread and prayer. If these "coordinates" are missing, there is no ecclesiality.
The Central Office of Church Statistics looked at the evolution of the number of priests in the world between 2013 and 2018. Over this period, the number dropped by 0.3 per cent to around 414,000. The number of diocesan priests rose by + 0.5 per cent, whilst the number of religious priests dropped by around 2 per cent.
Fr. Romanelli confirms the increase in infections and victims in the Strip, where the alert is high. Concern about hospitals and intensive care, almost full. Swab testing also increases, with 800 positives out of about 3 thousand tests. Fears as winter approaches, but the population rediscovers the importance of nutrition and sporting activity. Some initiatives related to Christmas are underway.
Francis asks young economists and entrepreneurs for a "pact" for a new economic model, because "we can't go on like this". Three days of discussion in Assisi.
The meeting, a first if confirmed, is said to have taken place yesterday in Neom, a Saudi tourist resort on the Red Sea. Iran and normalisation of relations between the two countries dominated the talks. The US secretary of state and Mossad chief were also present. Officially Riyadh maintains the same line: an agreement will follow a "lasting peace" between Israel and Palestine.
