Axios axios axios

Today we have a new Patriarch of Jerusalem for the Latin Church - Msgr. Fouard Twal. Yesterday evening the retiring Patriarch Michel Sabbah celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass at the Basilica of Gethsemani, joined by crowds of local clergy, religious and faithful. He then officially ended his mandate as patriarch of Jerusalem and will move to live at the Bridgettine nuns' convent on the Mt. of Olives.

Today Patriarch Fouard will solemnly enter the Holy Sepulchre (Tomb of Christ) in the traditional way: a procession from Jaffa Gate led by our kawas (the guys clad in Turkish costumes and carry heavy maces to open the way of the procession) and the Franciscan friars. Our Custos Fr. Pierbattista will be at the Stone of the Unction (where Christ's body was placed after the Crucifixion to be anointed with myrrh, aloes and incense) to welcome the new Patriarch while the rest of the friars will be singing the Te Deum. All the other Christian leaders will be at hand to welcome the new Patriarch as well, including the Orthodox patriarchs. Church bells will be ringing throughout. Actually the traditional installation/election of the patriarch is confirmed through the consensus of the people who shout "Axios axios axios" meaning "He is worthy" (3 times in Greek). I think the Orthodox still do this at the ordination of priests. Anyway these ancient traditions and customs are still so very alive here in the Holy City; it's like walking back in time. That makes this place so special!

So today Jerusalem is rejoicing because we have a new Patriarch. I shall be leaving for Adis Ababa transit for Dar es Salaam soon. It will be an 8 hr flight in all. And after that the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation will start its hectic schedule. I've been invited to be a moderator at one of the sessions so I have an extra responsibility. It will be hard work all through the next 10 days.

Todays' readings is all about suffering and how Christ comes to redeem us from the ultimate suffering - death. If you are registered with "Under the Fig Tree" you would have lots of material to get you reflecting and praying. If not, write me for an invitation! We're down to the last 35 places left. Anyone just one quick thought - what would life be like without suffering? What if Adam and Eve didn't sin? I really don't know the answer; but here in the Holy City, we have a beautiful symbol of the passion of Christ. its the crown of thorns, but always the crown of thorns that blooms flowers. There is something hopeful, beautiful, precious and worthy in suffering. Perhaps to one who suffers, we should also say "Axios axios axios".