H.B celebrates the closing Mass for the Franciscan March
By: LPJ Media Office
Published: 28/08/2023
On Sunday, August 27th, 2023, at Mount Tabor, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the closing Mass for this year's Franciscan March titled "Today with me in paradise", which began on August 20th. The youth spent the whole week together, praying, meditating on God's word, and living in accordance with St.Francis' teachings. Their journey began from Sakhnin, while carrying their backpacks they hiked all the way to Mount Tabor, passing by Sakhnin, Deir Hana, Al-Maghar, and Eliabun.
Before the closing Mass began, The Patriarch sat with the youth to hear about their experience and testimonies. He also heard and answered all of their questions.
Commenting on the Gospel reading (Mt 16:13-20), Mgr Pizzaballa reminded the youth to continuously ask themselves the same question Jesus asked their disciples - "Who do you say that I am?” - to help them keep alive their encounter with Christ during the march. "The answer to this question is found in your lifestyle. Although the march ends, but this question should remain and should be asked daily to allow it to transform us from the inside out," he said. He ended by wishing the participants a blessed rest of the year, and to take this beautiful experience with them as they journey back to their hometowns and continue their journey of faith with Christ.
