On Friday, March 27, 2026, “Hosanna in the highest… save us, O Jesus!” with these words of faith and hope, students of the Sisters of Nazareth School in Shafa'amr opened their spiritual encounter held via Zoom, bringing together students from Grades 1 to 4 alongside the school’s spiritual team.
Fr. Ramez Twal, the school’s spiritual chaplain, together with Sr. Atoulia, the Mother Superior, offered a rich and engaging reflection, bringing the meaning of Palm Sunday closer to the hearts of the children in a language both accessible and profound. This year, the gathering carried particular significance, as the traditional Palm Sunday procession—during which the faithful of the Diocese of Jerusalem walk in the footsteps of Christ toward the Holy City at the beginning of His Passion—was cancelled due to the ongoing war, inviting the students instead to live this moment of faith in a more interior and prayerful way.
The students actively partook in the “Palm Sunday King” competition, organized by teacher Maha Khoury. Their enthusiasm and knowledge were evident, filling the encounter with a joy.
A particularly moving moment unfolded as silence filled the space, allowing each child to raise a personal prayer from the heart. This was followed by collective prayers for the students, their families, the school, the city of Shafa’amr, and the entire world, asking for peace and safety.
The celebration continued with Palm Sunday hymns, as students waved olive branches and sang together in a scene full of innocence and hope, beautifully reflecting the spirit of the feast.
The meeting concluded with a final prayer led by teacher Rita Salbaq, as all entrusted their intentions to God, praying for peace in their country and throughout the world.
In a time when the need for peace grows ever greater, the voices and prayers of children remain a living sign of faith that peace is possible, and that light is stronger than darkness.
