The two Filipino Catholic communities in Jerusalem, Good Shepherd and Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, came together with representatives from other Filipino communities in Tel Aviv and Rehovot to celebrate Pentecost, Santacruzan (a feast commemorating Saint Helen and the founding of the Cross that led to the foundation of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulcher) and the Flores de Mayo (presentation of flowers to the Virgin Mary in May, the month of Mary).
The day began with a magnificent procession through Independence Park in Jerusalem. The numerous faithful followed the women dressed as various manifestations of Mary, Our Lady of Charity, our Lady of Peace, etc as well as Saint Helen, each of them accompanied by a male escort and a number of children dressed as angels. Winding its way through the Park, the procession made its way to the church of the Sisters of the Rosary where Mass was celebrated.
Father David Neuhaus, Latin Patriarchal Vicar and Filipino chaplain, celebrated the solemn Mass of Pentecost in a church packed with faithful. Concelebrating were a number of Salesians including Father Ric Fernando, responsible for the Good Shepherd community and Father ivo Coelho, rector of the Salesian community at Ratisbonne. In his homily, Father David underlined the gifts of the Holy Spirit: speaking in tongues, especially in the language of love, being sent as apostles of love into the world, manifesting unity and breathing the very life of God. He underlined the diversity of the Church in the Holy Land and asked the intercession of Blessed Mary Alphonsine Ghattas, who is buried in the church and is the foundress of the Sisters of the Rosary, an entirely local and Arab congregation, for the unity of the Christians in the Holy Land.
After Mass, a sumptuous celebration was held in the precincts of the convent of the Holy Rosary. Delicious Filipino food, traditional Filipino dances and singing as well as inspirational messages from the community’s religious and civil leadership were intertwined in an atmosphere of great joy and fraternity.
Source: Saint James Vicariate for Hebrews speaking Catholics in Israel
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