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THE FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY OF JERUSALEM PRAYS AGAIN FOR THE POPE
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Date: 11.4.2005
Source: Custody of the Holy Land
On Friday 8 April, on the occasion of the funeral rites of Pope John Paul II, the Franciscan Fraternity of Jerusalem wanted to unite itself once again to the prayer of the universal Church for the repose of our beloved Pope John Paul II.
At 6.00 pm a solemn concelebration of the Eucharist was organized in the Church of Saint Saviour. The Mass was organized by the Latin parish, led by Fr. Ibrahim Faltas. Many faithful took part, together with the local Franciscan Fraternity and numerous pilgrims. The celebration was presided by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was flanked by two Italian bishops.
During the homily the Custos underlined some salient aspects of the great personality of John Paul II, especially the prophetic gestures of his pontificate which regarded in a particular way the peoples of the Middle East. The same themes were then expressed by the parish priest in an Arabic version of the homily.
During the same occasion the universal character of the Mother Church of Jerusalem was expressed by the prayer of the faithful, in which various languages were used.
The singing during the liturgy was sustained by the "schola cantorum" of the parish, whereas the liturgical service was organized by the Franciscan students.
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