The Lightening of the Christmas Tree at Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem

In Jerusalem's Old City, Advent opened with a small celebration and the lighting of the Terra Sancta School Christmas tree.

From Terra Sancta News:

Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, ofm (Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land):

"Today is a great feast for the inhabitants of the Old City of Jerusalem: everyone participates in the lighting ceremony of this tree. The goal is to spread joy in the hearts of our children and in the hearts of every person who comes to this school."

Fr. Francesco Patton, ofm (Custos of the Holy Land):

"The Christmas tree here has a special meaning, because Jerusalem is a symbol accepted by all religions, so it is a symbol of dialogue and peace."

Present at the ceremony were the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, Holy Land Schools Director Brother Ibrahim Faltas, Msgr. William Shomali, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissieh, Palestinian Higher Presidential Commission for Ecclesiastical Affairs Chairman Ramzi Khoury, and a crowd of students and parents.

Lamar Zreneh (Student - Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem):

"The lighting of the tree is part of the religious education in this school. And I am very happy that it takes place in the land where Jesus was born."

"May the light illuminate the minds of the rulers of our region to bring peace and justice to the Holy Land and the Middle East," Patriarch Theophilos III said in his greeting. The Custos of the Holy Land emphasized the message of the Christmas tree, which symbolizes life because it is evergreen, and God has given us eternal life through his son Jesus.

The moment of the lighting of the tree was accompanied by Christmas carols from both tradition and famous artists. The countdown culminated in the lighting of the tree accompanied by expressions of joy from those present.

Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, ofm (Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land):

"Everyone is happy and joyful and no one can describe the joy of this day."

The words of Celine, a blind girl, express the joy she feels in her heart.

Celine Abu Ter (Student - Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem):

"I am here to celebrate Christmas. I feel really happy!"

To watch the CMC Service News about the event: CLICK HERE.