During the war between Israel and Hamas since October, more than a thousand young people gathered for the first time to pray together for peace and freedom. During the prayer, they followed Jesus' way of the cross, which was also called the way of peace in connection with the event.
A large group of young people prayed together in the streets of Jerusalem for the first time since the war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas broke out in October last year.
Catholic News Agency reported. More than a thousand young people from Christian schools participated to walk together along the Via Dolorosa in the old city and pray for peace and the revival of hope.
Twelve institutions participated in the event called "The Way of the Cross - The Way of Peace" held in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Anglican Church and the school of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as various Catholic groups. The first eight stations of the Way of the Cross, organized by the Franciscan Custody of Szentföld, went through the stations of the Via Dolorosa, and the last stations were in the Church of the Holy Redeemer.
At each station, after reading the Scriptures and praying, two children released a pair of doves, a symbol of peace and freedom.
"We chose white as the color of the children's scarves, the color of peace," said Father Ibrahim Faltas, parish priest of the Custody of Szentföld. "Da nobis pacem Domine" and "Give us peace" form a cross on the scarves. It also features a dove holding an olive branch in its beak, a symbol of peace. People cannot be prevented from praying.”
he added.
The 9-14. stations took place in the Franciscan Church of the Holy Redeemer, and at the end of the Stations of the Cross, a Franciscan monk gave a short reflection on the gift of Jesus, who gave his life for all humanity - even those who persecuted him.
"Let's ask Jesus for grace so that there is no hatred and desire for revenge in our hearts against those who hurt us.
Let us ask Him for grace to tear down the walls built of enmity and hatred. We ask Jesus to help us today to build a bridge of peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world,” Father Patton said.
After reciting the "Simple Prayer" attributed to St. Francis, the apostolic delegate from Jerusalem, Father Adolfo Tito Yllana, blessed the participating young people with the relic of the holy cross.
Featured image: CNA
