JERUSALEM (CNS) Christians in the Holy Land can become instruments of change with the help of Jesus, said Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem during his first Mass as patriarch at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The new patriarch prayed on June 23 for Christians to have the strength "to tear down … all the social, political and denominational barriers and become … instruments of change for the better."
"We will be the voice that announces the happiness and the peace to come, the voice that denounces and combats injustice, hatred and intrigue," he said.
As hundreds of the faithful crowded around the altar, in front of the place where tradition holds that Jesus was buried, groups of tourists squeezed through the crowds. Some craned their necks to see the celebration while others walked by unaware.
Patriarch Twal said that, just as Jesus rose from his tomb and triumphed over death, injustice and evil, Christians in the Holy Land also will rise and continue with Jesus’ help.
"With him and by his grace, we keep going: Every day in the life of this church is a new beginning," said Patriarch Twal. "We do not allow ourselves to be stopped by weakness, by marginalization or by the breakdowns we experience."
Patriarch Twal, who had been coadjutor of the Latin patriarchate for nearly three years, succeeded retired Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah during his June 22 installation Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.