VATICAN CITY – A school destroyed in Gaza. In very serious difficulties the University of Bethlehem and other structures and institutions of solidarity; consequent forced blockade of charitable initiatives for the poor Israelis and Palestinians. But, above all, “immense, unspeakable pain” for the innocent victims and for the many children who lost their lives under the rubble of both countries and a “desperate” appeal to the contenders to “immediately silence the weapons”.
Cry of pain for the umpteenth conflict that has broken out in the Holy Land launched by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the operational arm of the Pope on the front of works of charity and solidarity in the Holy Land. The Grand Master, the cardinal, is his spokesperson Fernando Filoni – maximum spiritual authority of the chivalric order born over a thousand years ago after the first Crusade – long-time diplomat in the service of the Holy See, a very reserved figure, reluctant to the mass-media limelight, but also capable of unexpected gestures such as abolition of the use of the sword in the millennial investiture rites of the new knights and of making his voice heard, “on the thrust of the Holy Father’s appeals”, to Israelis and Palestinians to “take the path of peace at a time when the noises of missiles and bombs have muted words “.
Cardinal Fernando Filoni, as Grand Master of an Order that was born and operates mainly in the Holy Land, what do you feel in the face of yet another conflict that has broken out between Israel and Palestine?
“Pain. We are in deep communion with the patriarchal church of Jerusalem. No one can be indifferent to the situation of the entire population in the Land of Jesus. Since the first days of the conflict, I have written a prayer inviting all members, and those who wish, to recite it invoking Mary Queen of Peace, so that she does not allow ‘the weeping of Jesus at the sight of the Holy City’, which had not understood the gift of peace that he brought, can once again fall into indifference, into political calculation and into logic of the impossible solution. We are united with the initiatives of the Latin Patriarchate and every lieutenancy in the world can organize what it deems appropriate. On the occasion of Covid 19, the Order had mobilized for an extraordinary collection of funds to support the Holy Land; at the same time, we continued to support educational (schools, Bethlehem universities), social and pastoral projects. Personally, as a former diplomat of the Holy See, having found myself in three wars, I know what the drama of populations in conflicts means. No one can be indifferent, but if you have been through hard times, you feel full supportive suffering once again. Relive his dramas with people. Peace cannot be bartered and improvised “.
In the days when the clashes reached the peak of violence, with losses on both sides, innocent deaths, many children, what did the Order of the Holy Sepulcher do? Now, with the wounds still open, what is he planning?
“In spite of everything, we continue our programs even in the midst of so many difficulties and we are ready with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to meet the new needs that have arisen with the new crisis; perhaps putting aside some projects, not indispensable now, to help all those in need in the most urgent needs “.
The Order, in close collaboration with the Holy See, manages universities, schools, hospitals, reception centers with particular attention to the most needy Israelis and Palestinians. Have you had a lot of damage?
“At the moment I am not well aware of all the damage caused by the conflict, except for the school in the Gaza Strip, it seems to me. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem will soon give us the detailed situation.”
In your opinion, Eminence, who are the real culprits fueling the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians?
“Hate does not arise by chance; it is not the outbreak of a moment of anger. The first impression is not always the truest; when we reflect we realize that conflicts have deep roots and more superficial roots. Hate is an explosive fuel. As in a circle, beginning and end are confused; if you do not get out of this logic of opposition, you always start over. Don Lorenzo Milani (the historic Florentine priest founder of the School of Barbiana – ed), I remember, in a famous letter written to Pipetta, a proletarian, said to him: ‘Dear Pipetta, today I am with you in your poverty, but when you take power, I will be with the other party that has become your victim … ! ‘ Docet! “
Is it possible to imagine a direct action by the Order of the Holy Sepulcher among Israelis and Palestinians to stop weapons on the basis of Pope Francis’ exhortations?
“Presumption is a bad teacher. The Holy See has ways and means to intervene, if the two sides so wish.”
When will peace arrive in the Holy Land with two peoples and two sovereign states, free and independent?
“It is a question I would like to answer: as soon as possible! I believe that we must all work for a peaceful solution; we are not its engineers; it would be enough for us to be small workers”.
Your Eminence, after another thousand years, you had the courage to abolish the use of the sword in the investiture rites of new male adherents to the Order, a weapon that clashes with the values of peace and brotherhood of the Gospel.
“First of all, I would like to clarify that in the symbolism of a knightly order the sword (but not only) has had a relevant meaning. In the imagination, virtues such as loyalty, fidelity, solidarity, honor, nobility of spirit, fortitude, self-denial, defense of justice and truth and above all faith, hope and charity, when it comes to a chivalrous order of the Church. The updated ritual has not eliminated the sword, but placed it among the other symbols that enrich the prayer vigil to which the new knights and new ladies are called on the evening before the Investiture. Among the symbols therefore we find the sword, the spurs (for the knights), the vase of perfumed oils (for the ladies), the neck cross, the cloak, the cap, the veil and the gloves that make up the proper dress of the knight and the lady in the dignity they receive; for the clergy there is the mozzetta , for the religious a (white) scarf to wear on the pro habit prio and a (black) shawl for the nuns; the Jerusalem cross is the hallmark of everything. These symbols (and I underline this word) reflect spiritual realities, encourage the practice of Christian virtues and foster a more intimate participation in the life of the Order.
Remove the sword from the investiture rite of the Order: “It is out of respect for the woman”. The sisters: “For equality it takes much more”
by Orazio La Rocca
It has been said that with the abolition of the sword they wanted to make a gesture of respect for the women who are admitted to the Order. But for gender equality, nothing else is needed?
“Speaking of respect for women or of equality seems to me rather diminutive. Women in the Order have been included since the time of Leo XIII (early twentieth century – ed); that is, in unsuspecting times. The ladies are full members of the Order, both participatory and contributory. Their role, in relation to the mystery of Christ and the Redemption, I believe I have written well in my booklet on the renewal of the Order, the title of which is inspired by an expression of Jesus in appreciation to Mary of Bethany who sprinkled his feet with esteem and affection for the Master who had raised Lazarus from the dead. Our Order is inclusive, while remaining fundamentally secular, it also admits bishops, priests, men and women religious; these are people who, in addition to rendering a pastoral service to our members, bring you the richness of their own spirituality and in particular a great love for the Land of Jesus and for the Mother Church. Other than sociological gender equality. We think about much more in the diversity of those who contribute to it. Ours is not a merely honorific order, but a contributory one to help the Holy Land and men and women do it with equal dignity! “.
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