HOLY LAND: IN BETHLEHEM TODAY, THE ORDINATION OF MGR. WILLIAM SHOMALI TO BISHOP

“The situation is difficult, that’s why we need dialogue not violence, we need to work together, pray and hope. The conflict we have been living for decades is not just political or military, it is also ideological. But the time of peace will come, we are sure of that”. On the day mgr. William Hanna Shomali will be consecrated auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem, in the Church of Saint Katherine, in Bethlehem, in an interview with the Franciscan Media Centre he makes an appeal to peace and hope and mentions the Church of Jerusalem, affected by so many problems, first and foremost emigration. “The Holy Land, without Christians, is poor – mgr. Shomali stated –. Our presence here is in a moderating role, as also recognised by Jews and Muslims. But our devotees must rediscover that being Christians in the Holy Land is a call. So we must not fall into the temptation, induced by our being few, to live segregated into a religious and cultural ghetto. Let’s get out of the ghetto”. Mgr. Shomali will receive his consecration from the hands of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, and mgr. Salim Sayegh, patriarchal vicar to Jordan, and mgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, patriarchal vicar to Israel. The ceremony will be filmed live and broadcast by Telepace, Telelumière and Noursat tv. Tomorrow, mgr. Shomali will officiate his first Mass in the parish church of Our Lady of Fatima in Beit Sahour.

© SIR - may 27th 2010 Ultimo aggiornamento Giovedì 27 Maggio 2010 16:58