On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal General Vicar, and Msgr. Ilario Antoniazzi presided over the Vigil Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin. Concelebrating were Fr. Amer Jubran, parish priest of Jenin, in the presence of the faithful.
Earlier that morning, Msgr. Shomali presided over the Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Visitation in Zababdeh, marking the anniversary of the founding of the first Zababdeh Scouts and Guides Group.
In his homily to the parishioners of Jenin, Msgr. Shomali spoke about the signs God gave to the Magi to lead them to the newborn child in Bethlehem, emphasizing that God communicates with each person in a way that is uniquely suited to their understanding. He explained that God spoke to the Magi, who were skilled astrologers, through the star that revealed the birth of a king. This prompted them to inform Herod of the prophecy about the king’s birth in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophet Micah. Msgr. Shomali highlighted three important signs: the star, the incarnate Holy Word, and the joy the Magi experienced when they found the way to the child. He pointed out that joy, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, is a sign of God’s presence in our lives, and the child—God incarnate—represents the ultimate sign of His closeness to us.
He emphasized that God continues to send us signs with messages, but the real question is whether we are able to recognize, understand, and respond to them. He stated: "God is not distant from us. As we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, 'God with us,' we are reminded that God speaks to us daily through signs, but especially through the light of His Word, which guides us and leads us to Him, just as the star led the Magi”.
At the end of Mass, Fr. Amer Jubran expressed his gratitude to the bishops for making the journey to come and pray with them during these difficult times, emphasizing how it symbolizes support for the resilience of the faithful in Jenin despite the prolonged challenges the region has faced. He expressed hope that the joyous Christmas season and the arrival of the New Year 2025 would usher in a new chapter filled with peace, love, and stability.
