Date: 2.10.2004
Source: Custody of the Holy Land

At five o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, October 2nd, the Latin parish of Ramleh received the Father Custos (Guardian) of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, O.F.M., who visited their parish for the first time since he was installed as the Custos.
The parish celebrated the feast of Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Tradition says that Saint Nicodemus came from Ramleh.
Scores of boys from the school with flags of the Vatican and of the Holy Land were placed at the entrance of the road that leads to the monastery. Also present were a good number of parishioners. Inside the church the parish priest, Father Raffaele Caputo, O.F.M., welcomed the Father Custos, followed by a greeting from a representative of the parishioners. At the end of the entrance ceremony Father Pierbattista and Father Raffaele thanked the Franciscan Community of Ramleh, as well as the community of the Missionary Sisters of the Madonna of Fatima at the end of their service to the sanctuary.
After the Solemn Entrance the Father Custos presided at the parish Mass. The homily was given by Father Abdel Mesih, O.F.M., who is the current treasurer of the Custody of the Holy Land.

News Main                                                 Custody Main