Each year on the first Friday of Lent we, at Ecce Homo have the tradition of commemorating the Crowning with Thorns.  It is a very solemn and impressive ceremony. Usually the Latin Pariarch of Jerusalem, Fuad Twal presides at this ceremony.  However, this year it coincided with the installation of Archbishop Maroun Lahlam who was named by Pope Benedict XVI, as Auxiliary Bishop and Patriarchal Vicar of Amman.

Archbishop Maroun has been the Archbishop of Tunis and was greatly loved.  I am sure that our sisters in Tunis will be very disappointed to lose their loved Archbishop. Amman is part of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Monsignor Maroun was also greatly loved here in Jerusalem so there is rejoicing at his return to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

However, we were very pleased to welcome Fr. David Neuhaus sj, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics and Migrants in Israel, to preside at the ceremony. We had many religious, friends, staff as well as priests present.

The singing was beautifully done by members of the Community of Chemin Neuf of Ecce Homo and Nazareth. Following the ceremony all were invited to the terrace to continue the celebration of friendship with a small reception.  We thank everyone for joining us in this Lenten celebration.

Sr Trudy NDS