Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1995-12-01 / 4. szám
(fljrtotmnä - Jelleméé ftnrncömnjt K T^oly Land Christinas, with an Hungarian Touch During the steamy months of summer, I was asked to complete a team of Franciscans that would lead 80 American pilgrims to the Holy Land. October would quickly arrive and the 12 hour flight landed us in a tired yet eager condition, to fulfill what some pilgrims termed a dream of a lifetime, to visit the Holy Land. Morning found us refreshed. Breakfast, the first "breaking of the bread" together in Jerusalem, began a bonding of friendships that would climax in a milue of sisters and brothers. Buses were boarded, heads counted, prayers and scripture read, we were on our way to Bethlehem. Our brochures mentioned Shepherd's Field as the first stop in the approach to the site of Jesus' birth. Pilgrims visiting the Holy Land with Father Nemeth (x) On the grounds of Shepherd's Field, the traditional area that angels revealed that the age-long-awaited Messiah was bom. We processed toward the chapel which had a large bronze angel above the entrance. Friars who care for the site, encircled us around the altar that dominated the center of the sanctuary - and sang "O Holy Night." As we approached our buses, we could hear the faint hush of Carols sung by other pilgrim groups. We arrived at manger Square. Again greeted by friars who quickly ushered us into the chapel to celebrate Mass. Mass was celebrated at each holy site, which reflected in mood and song, the distinct happenings in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The chapel swelled in attendance as other tourists joined us. The vaults of the church responded in deep echoes, like angels repeating the approval of the sacred verses. The final blessing and Carol concluded the Mass; but began the procession through a corridor of historical arches and walls engineered by the Crusaders, that today our generation has the legacy of the cave in which "earth received its Redeemer." Down a dimly lite stairway, we arrived at the place Jesus was bom. A simple silver star marks the location of the Divine birth. This is where it all began. This humble dwelling of the Holy Family gave rise to the existence of Christmas trees, Szent Miklós, szaloncukor, painted walnuts of gold and silver, the crescent cookies and special pastries, decorated homes - where we greet family and friends; and the church to "repeat the sounding joy" of the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ. (continued on page 3) page 1
