Feast of Our Lady Woman of Valor

The celebrations began with the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Rafic Nahra and concelebrated by the priests who look after the various communities of VMAS that celebrate their liturgies every week in the Centre. Also present was Fr. David Neuhaus – the founder of the Centre. The vibrant liturgy seen a true Pentecostal experience with different languages used for different parts of the liturgy. Yet, each was able to understand the prayer and worship thanks to the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the common liturgical tradition. The readings, hymns and prayers were sung and recited by different members of the various communities in different languages – Tagalog, Malayalam, Singhalese, Konkani, Amharic, Gujarati and Hebrew found space in the celebration.

In his homily, Bishop Rafic – who was formerly Vicar for Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Israel and in charge of the Centre – underlined God’s providence and care, Mary’s example of service and testimony of faith, holding them as guarantee of protection and models for all to imitate. Soon after the mass there was a buffet lunch on the grounds behind the Centre. Different food and flavours from the different migrant communities were served to all those who came to the feast. It was also a time to meet friends and make new acquaintances, to celebrate unity in diversity.

This year the celebrations took on new meaning in the light of the recent 40-day war that deeply affected our migrant communities. The feast was a moment to recall the resilience and to place our faith and trust in God’s provident care and our Lady’s maternal protection. It was a joyful moment of prayer, unity, and encounter, bringing together different communities under the protection of Our Lady. May she continue to guide and protect all the peoples of this land with her peace.