Fr. Noel Muscat OFM reporting from Jerusalem

The highlight of the Diocescan Pilgrimage organized by the Holy Land Commissariat in Malta was the solemn entry of the Archbishop Mgr. Paul Cremona OP, in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The solemn entry took place on Thursday 3 April at 6pm. The Archbishop, together with the three Franciscan Ministers Provincial, with Fr. Anthony Chircop OFM, Holy Land Commissary, and a group of 170 pilgrims, were welcomed by the Franciscan community residing in the Holy Sepulchre with the solemn singing of the Te Deum. The superior of the Franciscans of the Basilica, Fr. Vittorio Bosello OFM, welcomed the pilgrims. The Archbishop kissed the stone of unction at the entrance to the Basilica and then sprinkled holy water on the pilgrims. The procession then proceeded to the edicule of the Holy Sepulchre, where the group was addressed by Fr. Noel Muscat OFM, representing the Father Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM. The Archbishop and pilgrims then entered to pray in the holy tomb. The Archbishop is scheduled to sing solemn Mass in front of the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre on Saturday.

On the same day in the morning the Archbishop celebrated Mass at the church of St. Catherine “ad Nativitatem” in Bethlehem. The groups were visiting the sacred shrine of the Basilica and Grotto of the Nativity. The Archbishop delivered a homily centred upon the humility of Jesus Christ and also the divinity present in his humanity. The pilgrims also visited the Milk Grotto and the sanctuary of Shepherds Field in Beit Sahour.