St Dominic's Priory holds Vespers for Christians in the Holy Land

Fifty Faces of the Holy Land exhibition

On Tuesday evening, 8th September the Dominican Friars of St Dominic's church and Rosary Shrine, Haverstock Hill hosted a special service of Vespers to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in spiritual solidarity with the work of the Friends of the Holy Land in support of the vulnerable Christian community all across the Holy Land.

The psalmody was beautifully accompanied by the singing of the parish schola who performed an exquisite rendition of the 'Magnificat' by the composer Palestrina.

Father Joseph Bailham OP - Parish Priest led the intercessions for peace in the Middle East, for justice and reconciliation among all peoples in the Holy Land and especially for an end to violence and unjust aggression in the West Bank at this time.

The service was followed by a welcome reception in the parish hall where refreshments were served to both celebrate the Feast and where guests could hear about the mission and work of the Friends of the Holy Land from Edmund Adamus - Advocacy and Engagement Manager for the charity. Edmund was joined by visiting Greek Melchite priest Father Mamdouh Abusada, founder of the School of Joy in Bethlehem who has been speaking at various venues around London on the importance of the support Friends of the Holy Land is giving to suffering Christians in his country.

Fr Mamdouh was joined by the Prior of St Dominic's, Fr Matthew Jarvis OP and Fr Joseph Bailham OP in solemnly blessing the handmade olive wood rosaries and crosses which were available for visitors to purchase and make donations for as part of the evening.

The Fifty Faces of the Holy Land exhibition of portraits by Marcin Mazur, will continue to be on display in St Dominic's church, Southampton Road, Haverstock Hill until the morning of September 14th - Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross. Fr Mamdouh will be speaking at all the Sunday Masses at St Joseph's Highgate on 12th-13th September so there is still an opportunity to hear his moving testimony before his return to Israel/Palestine on the 14th September.

If you would like to hear more detail about the FHL work supporting vulnerable Christian communities in the Holy Land, Edmund Adamus hosts a monthly webinar every fourth Monday of the month from 7.30pm-8.15pm. Use this link: http://bit.ly/4xkvWTA to receive the online invitation.

LINKS

London exhibition: 50 Faces of the Holy Land at St Dominic's Rosary Shrine: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55737
Friends of the Holy Land: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/