Churches of the world to unite with Bethlehem, and ring the bells of peace
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – In a world marked by violence, conflicts, terrorism and death, the Church in the Holy Land plans an act of reconciliation, open to every Christian place of worship in the world. Next Saturday, 5 December, at 7:30 pm, the churches of Bethlehem will ring their bells "as a sign of peace."
In this season of Advent, which prepares the birth of Christ, when the Palestinian town becomes the heart of Christianity, local religious leaders opted for an act that ideally unites all the faithful around the world.
As they presented the initiative, the leaders of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem spoke about the “general atmosphere” that currently prevails in the Holy Land. Despite it, the city of Bethlehem has decided to maintain all scheduled events, with some changes.
The dinner that traditionally follows the lighting of the Christmas tree has been officially cancelled, as have several concerts. There will be fewer decorations.
This follows a decision to show "respect for our martyrs," which obviously refers to Palestinians from Bethlehem who died in recent weeks in clashes with Israeli security forces, their families and "the situation in general".
However, for Mayor Vera Baboun, "Bethlehem remains the city of peace" and "as we approach Christmas we should pray like never before for peace,” justice and human dignity.
This vocation inspired the idea of ringing the bells in all of the city’s churches in lieu of the traditional fireworks that are set off after the tree’s lights are switched on. Such pyrotechnics remind people of bombs and more generally conflict.
“All the churches in the world” are also invited to take part in such a symbolic act of prayer. Those who accept the invitation, Patriarchate sources noted, are "asked to send an e-mail indicating the name and address of their church to info@bethlehem-city.org, with a photo of the building, and a phone number to receive the message asking for the bells to be tolled."
Meanwhile, the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr Pierbattista Pizzaballa, made his solemn entry into the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, celebrating the beginning of Advent.
According to a centuries-old tradition, on his way to Bethlehem from Jerusalem, the Custos motorcade stopped at Mar Elias Monastery, before crossing the wall to reach the city of Bethlehem.
In his address, the Custos said that the flame represents "hope and prayerful expectation" in the liturgical season that prepares the "coming of Christ, Light of the Nations".
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