In Jerusalem, Rev. Father Nikodemus Schnabel, OSB, Vicar of migrant-workers and asylum-seekers presided over the Eucaristic celebration to commemorate St. Pedro Poveda's martyrdom 86 years ago, on 28 July 1936.
On the 30th of July, some 35 friends of the Teresian Association and migrant-workers who form the Bible Study Group living in Jerusalem, joined this festive event that speaks to all –not only to migrants but also to the movement of friends who love and support the mission of the Teresians in the Holy Land– including those at Bethlehem University.
Fr. Nikodemus spoke about Saint Pedro Poveda’s gift of fortitude, his resilience; his virtue of being closely aligned to the will of God, his serenity and meekness before the contradictions that came his way. He was guided by the Holy Spirit, and forged paths untraveled, capped by the founding of the Teresian Association, exhorting its members to be “salt of the earth and light to the world”.
Blessing
The TA in Jerusalem having been gifted with a relic of Saint Pedro Poveda, shared this with the participants who received a blessing with the relic which Fr. Nikodemus imparted individually on each one of those present, after the Mass.
70 years in the Holy Land
We are thankful to Saint Pedro Poveda who made it possible that the Teresian Association, with the papal approval in 1924, has spread in 30 countries. In 1952 –70 years ago– the first Teresians arrived in the Holy Land, to be present in the “place of Redemption” and to emulate the Blessed Mother’s faith and fortitude at the foot of the Cross of Her Son.
If as the saying goes, “a picture is worth more than a thousand words”, the following array of photos will unfold scenarios of a faith in action, a sense of belonging, family life, joy, friendship, of being for one another in service, reaching out to the peripheries... all because we believe in the beauty of being one in the midst of diversity, opting for peace and unity in a world marked by division and hatred.
To recap, we wish to underscore that joy –which prevails in our families, communities and gatherings– is the characteristic of the young, including also the “young at heart” and the “young-forever” because it is a joy that springs from the firm and deep assurance of being loved by God.
Text: Mellie Brodeth.
Photos by Amy Dillo and Malou Negolo.
Published in News