Last week, over 2000 Palestinian Christians celebrated the Feast of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, the main patroness of the Diocese of Jerusalem. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the yearly celebrations with a Solemn Mass and procession at the Shrine of Our Lady in Deir Rafat. Among those celebrating in prayer were clergy, religious men and women, Seimnarists, Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher, the Knights of Malta, students from the Christian schools of Jerusalem, and faithful from various parishes of the diocese.
- Loving God, we give gratitude for your protection over our brothers and sisters as they prayed during this sacred time. We pray alongside them as we ask the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts with courage, faith, and love. Holy Spirit, help us walk in the path of the Queen of Palestine as she did in the days of Nazareth. Like the Virgin Mary, teach us to listen attentively to your voice and be faithful servants of your will. In the face of adversity, we pray for the triumph of truth and justice in the Holy Land. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer