ERUSALEM - On Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Pater Noster Carmel on the Mount of Olives, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa presided over a Mass at which Sister Marie Madeleine of the Merciful Heart of Jesus made her solemn profession.
Concelebrating were several priests from the Latin Patriarchate, including Fr. Bernard Poggi, as well as various members from surrounding communities. The celebration was also attended by several religious sisters and brothers, expressing their support and gratitude for Sr. Marie Madeleine on this significant occasion in Jerusalem.
During the ceremony, the prioress and mother superior stood beside Sr. Marie Madeleine in the chapel’s choir, while the Carmelite nuns were positioned behind a fence, singing and praying in celebration of her important day.
In his homily, the Patriarch reflected on the significance of the occasion in a city marked by conflict and division, highlighting Sr. Marie Madeleine's commitment to serving the Lord with love. He emphasized two key words from the Gospel she chose: "love," which is paramount for those living in Jerusalem, and "to remain," a concept that holds special meaning in this context: “First of all, there's nothing obvious about living in Jerusalem and staying there. But to remain in the love of the Lord, as the Gospel asks, is not obvious in Jerusalem either (...) It is indeed difficult to see the face of God in our relationships, in this tension, especially in these last days. Yet we must remain faithful to God.”
The Patriarch cited biblical figures, from St. John the Baptist to the Holy Women, who exemplified steadfastness in faith during trying times. He noted that “to remain” requires patience, which contrasts with today’s fast-paced society, and that contemplative monasteries serve as reminders of God's rhythm.
In concluding his homily, he reiterated the significance of Sister Marie Madeleine's name, encouraging everyone to remember that the Heart of Jesus embodies selfless love, not political ambition. He urged that true Christian life in Jerusalem involves giving oneself for love, as exemplified by Sister Marie Madeleine, asserting that despite many struggles, the love of Jesus remains paramount.
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