Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux in Rehovot

The celebrations began with the Solemn Eucharist which was presided over by Fr Rafic Nahra, the newly appointed Coordinator of the Pastoral Among Migrants. Also concelebrating were Fr. Stan Swamikannu (Rector of the Salesian Community of Ratisbonne), Fr Michael Grospe (Priest-in-charge, Divine Mercy Filipino Community, Tel Aviv), Fr. Vic Supranes (Priest-in-charge, San Lorenzo Ruiz community, Jerusalem) and Fr. Matthew Coutinho (the Priest-in-charge of Rehovot). Many of the members of the community were present as were invited guests from the Philippines embassy in Israel, including Vice Consul Judy Razon, the Sisters of Saint Paul and other friends from in and around Rehovot, from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The well-prepared liturgy with hymns and readings was crowned with a thought provoking homily by Fr Rafic who spoke about St. Therese's supernatural conviction that "All is grace" linking it deftly with the Parable of Tenants in the Vineyard.

The mass was followed by a program to celebrate the community and the guests. Besides some very pertinent messages on the challenge of living the faith as migrants and care givers in Israel, there were some beautiful presentations which highlighted the international nature of the St. Therese Community of Rehovot. Songs in Tagalog, Swahili, Hindi and dances performed to other popular tunes provided a suitable backdrop to the ethnic diversity and the multi-cultural tapestry of the Rehovot community. The program was followed by a sumptuous community meal where all those present had a chance to meet, greet and celebrate the faith and togetherness. The office-bearers ably coordinated by Ms. Maribel Arenga worked very hard to ensure that the celebrations went ahead smoothly. Thus, the fiesta was another 'high point' in the annals of the Rehovot Catholic community which gathers every Saturday evening to worship the Lord in a joyful celebration of the faith.