Bethlehem – On May 22nd, 2025, in an atmosphere filled with faith and hope, the city of Bethlehem commemorated the tenth anniversary of the beatification of two Palestinian saints: Sister Mariam of Jesus Crucified (Mariam Baouardy) and Mother Marie Alphonsine. The solemn celebration began with a prayer procession from the Rosary Sisters’ Convent, established in 1992, to the Carmelite Monastery, founded by Saint Mariam Baouardy in obedience to God’s will and with a desire to serve the local faithful.
The faithful walked reverently, carrying the relics of the two saints, praying the Rosary and singing hymns, invoking their intercession for peace in the Holy Land. The procession was led by Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, along with Fr. Rami Asakrieh, parish priest of Bethlehem, joined by numerous clergy, religious congregations, and faithful from across the city.
The Holy Mass and Bishop Shomali’s Homily
Msgr. Shomali presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In a moving homily centered on the journey of holiness, he emphasized that the path to sainthood begins with listening to the Word of God and living it out daily. He highlighted the virtues of the two saints, most notably their humility, despite their significant roles in the life of the Church.
He quoted Mother Marie Alphonsine, who once said: “If it weren’t for God’s grace working in me, I would be worse than Judas.” He also spoke of Saint Mariam of Jesus Crucified as a living example of openness to the Holy Spirit, noting how she introduced devotion to the Holy Spirit into the heart of the Church through her life and profound witness.
The bishop concluded his homily with a heartfelt prayer for peace, saying: “Despite the failure of political leaders and the collapse of many initiatives, our hope remains firm in God, in the intercession of the two saints, and in the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of this wounded land.”
Witnesses of Grace
The voices of the faithful gave further testimony to the lasting spiritual impact of these saints. Hiyam Alawi, a professor at Bethlehem University, spoke from the heart:
“As children of this land, we find strength in the presence of Saints Mariam and Alphonsine. They walked the same soil, shared our joys and trials, and now intercede for us. Their lives are pillars of faith and prayer for us and for generations to come.”
Ms. Sperance Qumsieh shared her personal devotion to Saint Mariam Baouardy: “She has been a guiding light in my life. The Carmelite Monastery is my second home, where I meet God in silence and peace.”
Young religious sisters Sarah Shahateet of Jordan and Daline Maqba’a of Nazareth, at the beginning of their vocations with the Rosary Sisters—spoke of the saints’ deep influence: “From them we learn silence, humility, self-restraint, and complete trust in Divine Providence. The Rosary was their faithful weapon and is our way to draw closer to God through the Virgin Mary.”
A Message of Hope
The celebration in Bethlehem was more than a remembrance; it was a renewal of faith with two saints who embodied prayer in their daily lives. They have become spiritual bridges between earth and heaven in a troubled time and a land thirsting for peace. The message of these two saints remains a constant call to hope, holiness, and total reliance on God alone.
