January 5, 2003
Patriarch Michel Sabbah leads the Mass in the Latin Church of Visitation in Zababdeh, Palestine. Marthame stands among the Catholic clergy.
Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah arrived in town this morning for worship at the Latin Church. He has come fairly regularly to Zababdeh, a welcome sight for folks here - a reminder that they are remembered in their daily struggles. Part of the liturgy was the annual blessing of holy water. This will be used throughout the year - the weekly sprinkling of the congregation on Sunday mornings, various pastoral visits.
Fr. Aktham holds the gospel for Patriarch Sabbah to read.
This week, the clergy here will begin the annual 'Eid al-Ghattas (Epiphany) visits, dividing Zababdeh into neighborhoods and visiting the Christian homes in them (regardless of denomination) in order to bless them for the coming year. This is an old tradition in this part of the world. Until several years ago, all of the clergy used to visit the homes together. That simply became too cumbersome, so the neighborhood solution was implemented. After the Patriarch delivered the homily and a word of encouragement to the faithful, the clergy (Marthame in tow) made their way towards Jenin.
Patriarch Sabbah visits with Fr. Alphonse, parish priest for the Catholic church in Jenin, Palestine.
Just outside of Qabatia, we were met by a tank and a handful of Israelis soldiers turning back all traffic. The Patriarch's consular vehicle proceeded forward, steadily but cautiously. After a quick glance at passports and collars, we were waved through and onto the Latin Church in Jenin where Fr. Alphonse and the Sisters of St. Anne were waiting with the congregation to greet the Patriarch. He heard the stories of people's suffering there - overall far worse than what we face here in Zababdeh. Jenin is feeling more and more isolated, even from nearby places like Zababdeh, so such a visit was of utmost importance.
On the way back, the soldiers were still at the same spot and tried to send us back. When Fr. Aktham informed them that we had just passed from here, they waved us through. We may have been the only two cars to pass through there for most of the day.
Back in Zababdeh, the Patriarch visited with Fr. Boutros, a Latin priest from Zababdeh who has been wheelchair-bound for three years due to a stroke. He also visited with the liquor store owner who is still recovering from gunshot wounds. The visit was rounded out by a grand feast back at the Latin Convent.
In the evening, while Marthame was visiting with Fr. Thomas and working on the American youth group's plans for the next few days, we were interrupted by breaking news. An Islamic Jihad double-suicide bombing in Tel Aviv had taken place with already twenty deaths and scores of injured. Such news only compounds our despair and frustration. It wasn't long before we heard the tanks nearby. No one knows what'll happen now, but it looks like everything for the group's trip is up in the air - perhaps they won't be able to enter at all. Perhaps Tubas will be closed, or Jenin, or Burqin, or the University - no telling. Planning here can be a practice in the absurd.