Vatican News
Yesterday, media reported information provided by Israeli police about a part of a downed Iranian missile that fell on the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The temple, by decision of local authorities, has remained closed since February 28.
Large missile fragment
The dangerous incident was confirmed in an interview with Vatican media by Bishop William Hanna Shomali, auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He explained that the missile fragment fell on the Orthodox part of the temple, causing no damage. “It’s a clearly visible fragment, not a small shrapnel piece,” he emphasized.
Holy Week Celebrations in Question
The hierarch said that the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre remains closed, and for the Israeli authorities, the fall of the missile fragment justifies this decision, as there is still a risk of being hit by further shrapnel or weapon fragments. “They will probably allow us to celebrate Holy Week inside, but in small numbers,” he said, referring to the Paschal Triduum liturgy. He added that it seems that this year there will be no Palm Sunday Mass celebrated there, nor will there be a palm procession due to the ban on gatherings.
Prayer in the Dominus Flevit Chapel
Bishop Shomali added that on Palm Sunday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa will pray in the Dominus Flevit (The Lord Wept) chapel. This is a Franciscan church on the Mount of Olives, commemorating the event described in the Gospel of St. Luke, when Jesus wept over the fate of Jerusalem. “There, the patriarch will pray with a small number of priests and religious and bless the city from there,” said Bishop Shomali. – “It is one of the best places to contemplate Jerusalem,” he added, emphasizing that it offers a view of the entire old part and a fragment of the newer districts of the city.
Call to Prayer
The auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem emphasized the complex situation in the region and encouraged prayer for peace and wisdom for politicians, “so that they make the right decision and end the war as soon as possible, which is claiming many innocent victims.”
