In Jerusalem, the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross was celebrated in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher: First Vespers and the Vigil Night Office were held on May 6, and Solemn Mass on the morning of May 7. Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, presided over the celebrations, together with friars of the Custody, priests from the various religious communities and pilgrims from all over the world. The relic of the Holy Cross was carried in procession to the cave of its discovery where Mass was celebrated. In his homily, Br. Patton highlighted the importance of the place, "We are in the heart of the ancient stone quarry that at the top preserves the remains of Calvary, a little further down houses the Sepulcher. Here where we are celebrating it preserves the memory of the finding of the true Cross by the holy Queen Helena. It is as if this complex place that is the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher is witnessing a progressive attempt first to eliminate Jesus Christ physically and then to erase his memory. But it is an attempt destined to fail, from the very beginning. At the end of the celebration, priests, faithful of the local community and pilgrims went in procession with the relic of the Holy Cross to the wayside shrine. The procession made three laps around the empty Tomb: rose petals and incense preceded the passage of the precious relic, which was then displayed for the veneration of the faithful inside the Chapel of the Apparition. Br. FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land I highlighted that someone tried to eliminate this place, as well as the person of Jesus, and even to erase his memory but Jesus is risen, this place has been found. It is a sign of hope for Christians who, when they seem to suffer moments of persecution, moments of trial, should not be discouraged: it is because they are entering together with Jesus into the mystery of Easter. "The empty tomb continues to speak to us," said Brother Francesco Patton, "and it attracts millions of believers, offering them the opportunity to have the same experience as the Apostle John. That is, to see the empty tomb and to believe that Jesus is risen, passing through death and bringing us too to live in God. The Body of Christ-which is the Church-also continues to be alive and vital; and in spite of all appearances, even though it seems to be agonizing in the West, it manifests itself as alive and vital on other continents." Br. FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land Here comes the whole world because, as we also read in John's Gospel in today's celebration, God did not send the Son to judge the world, but to save the world. Here is the whole world in need of salvation, in need of meaning and in need of hope. Br. PIUS KALISKI Slovakia So many people come here, right to the Holy Sepulcher. I also came with this group, because I wanted to participate in the feast of the finding of the Holy Cross, this very great feast that reminds us of what the Lord has done for us. Read More