Nazareth: Joy and sense of community at the conclusion of the Centenary of the Basilica of the Adolescent Jesus

2024-09-16 16:17:40
The eye-catching complex that we see rising above the hill, now houses a technical institute and a primary school with more than 500 students, from Nazareth and neighbouring regions. But its history begins with the visit of Don Bosco's successor, Pe. Michael Rua, to Nazareth. The latter, seeing the work of a young priest, Fr Antonio Belloni, with orphaned children, decided to open a Salesian home. It was 1896 when the first orphanage was opened, with a small chapel already dedicated to the Adolescent Jesus. It was Charlotte de Cevilly, widow of Commandant Léon Foäche, who donated her inheritance to build the Shrine of the Adolescent Jesus, considered the finest example of modern Gothic in the entire Middle East. Inspired by the pure and simple life of the Holy Family here in Nazareth, also represented in the white stones of the building and the austerity of the embellishments. According to Fr Munir El-Rai, director of the Salesian work in Nazareth, the year of commemoration ends with thanks to the local community which, despite the difficulties faced, has remained present for the needs of the church, such as the replacement of the altar, the Way of the Cross, the new sound system and lighting. Fr MUNIR EL-RAI, sdb Director Salesian Work Jesus blessed us with many beautiful things, but the most beautiful thing was that in every feast, in every experience we had, the community and the people were very united and helped a lot. This is the sense that unity and service, in my opinion, are also graces from the Lord. It is a gift and this is the blessing of the teenage Jesus! At the concluding Mass on Sunday 15 September, presided over by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, representatives of the Catholic Church of Galilee were present. They gathered to give thanks for 100 years of a spiritual temple, which is built in every believer and in every child, adolescent and young people, who have been able to encounter Christ through the Salesian charism. SAHER ISSA Volunteer - Salesian Choir I am a Salesian Cooperator and helper in the Church choir. I would like to wish the Salesians of the world to always love and be with the young people, as Don Bosco wished. Br WOJCIECH BOLOZ, ofm Guardian of the Basilica of the Annunciation We wish all Salesians who always keep young people in mind to be signs of the presence of Jesus. Not only here in Nazareth, but also throughout the world, in everyone's life. So not only the basilica, but also within them they must preserve this spirit, the spirit of the Adolescent Jesus. Jesus who with a childlike love gives himself to all others. All the best, happy feast day! H E Mgr RAFIK NAHRA Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Israel First of all I would like to wish much happiness, and then I would like to express the thanks of the local church to the Salesians, for the fine work they do. They have a special charisma with young people, with children, they have preserved it to this day! I wish them to continue this work because our young people need to be accompanied, loved and encouraged in life. H B Card PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins The Salesians have been very good in these hundred years in evangelising, in shaping the Christian presence here in Nazareth. We need them now, in these next hundred years, where there are so many challenges, with so many problems, to be just as good at finding new forms of evangelisation, so that young people can always know Jesus and fall in love with Him.

See also

Let us listen to the voice of the Innocent!
Let us listen to the voice of the Innocent!
December 16, 2024

The Christmas message of Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land. From Bethlehem to the world.

Terra Santa News 20/12/2024
Terra Santa News 20/12/2024
December 19, 2024

The Christmas Message of the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Francesco Patton; the prayer for peace in Rome; the new book on the history of the origins of Christianity and finally the Jewish feast of Hannukah.

Hanukkah: lighting up the world
Hanukkah: lighting up the world
December 19, 2024

Hanukkah, also known as the ‘Feast of Lights’, is a major Jewish holiday. Christmas Day coincides with the beginning of this holiday.

The light of faith in the face of the drama of war
The light of faith in the face of the drama of war
December 18, 2024

On 11 December, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome was lit with candles of Faith and Hope during a prayer dedicated to world peace. The prayer was presided over by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, together with the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Brother Ibrahim Faltas.

A Life for Art! The story of Robert Giacaman
A Life for Art! The story of Robert Giacaman
December 17, 2024

At this Christmas time, we meet a Christian artist from Bethlehem, Robert Giacaman.

Publication of the book ‘Palestine, Cradle of Christianity’
Publication of the book ‘Palestine, Cradle of Christianity’
December 17, 2024

On 13 December, Dar Al-Kalima University, in cooperation with the Pontifical Mission, organised a conference at the Dar Al-Kalima University Theatre in Bethlehem to present the book ‘Palestine, Cradle of Christianity: An Introduction to the History of the Origins of Christianity from the First to the Seventh Century’.