As per tradition, on Easter Monday, April 21, the Church of Jerusalem celebrated the appearance of Jesus to the two disciples of Emmaus. H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who had agreed to preside over the celebration, had to withdraw at the last moment due to the sudden death of Pope Francis. He invited Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, who is also the titular bishop of Emmaus, to take his place and represent him.
The ancient basilica of Emmaus-Nicopolis was filled beyond capacity—more than any other year—with local faithful and pilgrims, especially religious sisters from various congregations. Among the concelebrants were two bishops: Msgr. Rafic Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar for Galilee, and Msgr. Ilario Antoniazzi, Archbishop Emeritus of Tunis, along with more than 25 priests.
Present in the assembly was a community of faithful from Nazareth, composed of the Legion of Mary and a praiseworthy group of pilgrims who had spent the whole day retracing the footsteps of the disciples of Emmaus—from the Cenacle of Zion to the village of Emmaus—passing through Abu Gosh, Saxum, and the Valley of Emmaus. This pilgrimage was organized by the Community of the Beatitudes. The liturgy was animated by the Community of the Beatitudes and the “New Life” group from Galilee.
In his homily, Bishop Marcuzzo recalled the very recent passing of Pope Francis, presenting the death of a faithful Christian within the context of Easter hope, especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope. He prayed for the deceased pope and paid tribute to his memory by quoting the pope’s final words, read from the balcony of St. Peter’s on Easter Sunday during the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, offering these beautiful words as a precious testament from the pope to each of us.
At the end of the Mass, Sr. Rebecca, general superior of the community, publicly extended birthday wishes and prayers to Patriarch Pizzaballa, thanked the assembly, and invited everyone to share in a fraternal refreshment in the community courtyard.
