On the occasion of Epiphany, the Custos of the Holy Land recalled the words of Pope Paul VI during mass in the Church of Saint Catherine, next to the Basilica of the Nativity. He spoke at the same church 60 years ago when he called on those in power to “work together for peace in truth, justice, liberty and brotherly love.”
Roberto Cetera – Belém
After the ceremonial entry into Bethlehem on Friday through the Rachel's Tomb checkpoint, which only opens three times a year, the Custodian of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, celebrated Saturday morning in the packed St. Catherine's parish church. , which is next to the Basilica of the Nativity, the solemn Eucharist of the Epiphany.
Paul VI and the call for peace
In his homily, Patton recalled that Paul VI. 60 years ago, exactly on January 6th, his historic trip to the Holy Land ended in Belém. The Franciscan then appropriated the words of exhortation to the powers of the world, spoken on that occasion by the then Pope and which, tragically, are still relevant today, in a sincere appeal for peace in the world:
“May they work together more effectively to establish peace in truth, justice, freedom and brotherly love. This is the wish we made to God in constant prayer throughout this pilgrimage. All faithful efforts directed towards this will find our support and we will bless you wholeheartedly. With these thoughts and prayers in our hearts, from Bethlehem, the earthly home of Christ, we will implore the fullness of divine favor for all humanity.”
(Vatican news – MG)