Welcome to a Spectacular Jubilee Celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica!
As the world eagerly anticipates the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, a magnificent Divine Liturgy in the East Syriac rite unfolds in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. The occasion is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
By Antonella Palermo
Among the countless pilgrims traversing the Vatican Basilica, one procession stands out at 1 PM, making its way towards the Altar of the Chair: a sea of ministers preparing to partake in the Holy Qurbana, led by the esteemed Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Louis Raphaël I Sako.
On the eve of the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, a radiant procession clad in golden vestments moves to the enchanting melodies of Syriac chants, setting the stage for a mesmerizing Mass.
Featuring the historic Anaphora of Addai and Mari—an ancient Eucharistic prayer attributed to Thaddeus of Edessa and Mari, disciples of the Apostle Thomas—the Mass serves as a poignant reminder of the shared heritage between the Chaldean Church and the Syro-Malabar Church.
His Beatitude Thattil: A Living Communion in the Jubilee
“May this celebration signify not just a preserved legacy, but a vibrant communion,” expressed His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, in his stirring homily.
“Let us be rejuvenated in our resolve to journey together, East and West, as a unified pilgrim Church, spreading hope in a world yearning for healing,” the Major Archbishop fervently proclaimed.
Emphasizing that the Jubilee is more than a mere tribute, but a summons to rediscover the Spirit’s joy and bear witness to the living Christ, His Beatitude Thattil’s words resonate deeply.
In Unity, Echoing the Spirit of Leo XIV
A palpable sense of belonging and fervent spirituality permeates the faithful, as children proudly wear rosaries and ancient Mesopotamian chants fill the air.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Pope Francis and his tireless advocacy for the marginalized, hearts turn to the new Successor of Peter, Leo XIV, igniting a renewed sense of hope.
His motto underscores that unity is not a construct, but a divine gift that binds us as one body, as elucidated by His Beatitude.
“To partake in this liturgy is to not merely admire beauty, but to delve into the universal truth of the Church, embracing diversity,” he remarked.
Cardinal Gugerotti: Sustain the Missionary Spirit
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, underscores the innate missionary essence of the Eastern Churches in his poignant address at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
Amidst a history marked by divisions and persecutions, the Cardinal lauds the unwavering faith of the Eastern Churches, urging them to persist as missionaries in a world hungry for Christ’s message.
While acknowledging past diasporas as tragic, he encourages the faithful to embrace the new evangelization opportunities with zeal, emphasizing the irreplaceable richness that diverse traditions and cultures bring to the Church.
With a heartfelt plea for unity and love, the Cardinal invokes divine blessings for the preservation of these distinct identities, fostering a spirit of joyous togetherness.
As the Jubilee celebration unfolds, echoing with prayers and praises, the mandate to preserve unity resonates deeply, reminding all that the name of God is unity and love.
Deborah Castellano Lubov contributed to this report
