World Mission Day this year has as its theme the biblical verse from Matthew's Gospel, 22:9: ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’. On this occasion, the Committee of the Union of Women Religious of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories organised a prayer vigil in this very city. From here, the Gospel message spread throughout the world, and thus brought together all the religious congregations present in the Holy Land. The vigil took place in St. Stephen's Church and was presided over by H.E. Mgr. Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem. In attendance were Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Bishop Emeritus, priests from various religious communities and diocesans, and many women's congregations. Sr CRETA AZZURRI, srj President of the Union of Women Religious of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories The circumstances we went through this year were very difficult and we felt our mission weakened. Some of it is because we have not been able to reach people because of the war, although Jesus tells us not to be afraid when we leave and to have the courage to reach each one. There are many people who need us and we are able to serve Christ in every poor, suffering and isolated person. This is our mission. The prayer, in the wake of Pope Francis' message, led us to reflect on the vocation of every Christian, invited to care for those who are excluded or marginalised, in order to build justice and peace together. H E Mgr ADOLFO TITO YLLANA Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem We live in this Holy Land, which is the same land where our Master Jesus Christ, the Saviour, lived his life and ministry. The difficulties and sufferings we have, I always say and repeat, I do not think they can be greater than those he himself suffered. For, as he says, if I have had these difficulties, you will have them too: the disciples, they are not greater than the Master. This evangelisation that is realised through word and dialogue, at certain times or in particular situations, can only be expressed through prayer and witness. The Gospel of Christ first transforms the heart of every evangeliser, who welcomes His Word, alive and effective. H E Mgr ADOLFO TITO YLLANA Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem The Good News, the Gospel, is for the whole world, for all peoples, without excluding anyone. During the vigil, there was an online connection with Father Gabriel Romanelli, Latin priest in Gaza, who spoke about the challenge of being on mission in a war-torn territory. Sister Maria Pia, from the Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, a congregation present in Gaza, has lived in the Holy Land for 30 years and has served in various regions such as Egypt and Jordan. Arriving on 1 October, the feast day of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, she is grateful to be here and feels very happy to be able to participate in this mission, which is not always easy. Sr MARÍA PIA CARVAJAL Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matarà I have visited the Gaza Strip many times and I have seen a beautiful community, the people are very good and also very suffering. Besides my sisters and the priests of our community, there are all these people who are considered like our family. We are very concerned about the situation but also listening to Father Gabriel and his beautiful testimony, I feel happy because he is fulfilling his mission as a pastor with our faithful in the parish. Sr CRETA AZZURRI, srj President of the Union of Women Religious of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories We religious orders must work together and cooperate, especially in prayer and common mission, to embrace every person who needs to know Jesus, and to rediscover his love. This day is also an opportunity to evangelise ourselves again, and not only to go to faraway places where people do not pray. And also to evangelise people whose faith is shaken and who wonder where Jesus is and who fear for their future. Christ's mandate to preach the Gospel to all peoples, even to the ends of the earth continues to resonate in the heart of every person who sets out to follow him, because they know that he has promised to stand by them forever. Read More