Posted by Morley Evans
Pope Francis elevates 2 Palestinian nuns to sainthood
Pope Francis said the two 19th century nuns, who have become the first Arabic-speaking Catholic nuns Sunday, should inspire others.
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
JERUSALEM—Palestinians have become the first Arabic speakers to claim Catholic saints among their people after Pope Francis canonized two nuns born in the Holy Land more than a hundred years ago.
Palestinian Christians and Muslims heralded the elevation to sainthood of Sister Mariam Baouardy and Sister Marie Alphonsine Ghattas as historic. The Arab Christians said it also brought a ray of hope to the shrinking Christian community here, which has lived for centuries in the land of Jesus’ birth.
There are now two additional advocates in heaven to help pray for peace, they said.
“Many Christians are leaving or have question marks about their future here, but this gives us hope and shows us that things are possible despite difficulties,” said Wadie Abunassar, an adviser and former spokesman for the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.
He said the two saints, who lived here during Ottoman times, did not have easy lives but “lived in a unique way helping others, not only Christians.”
READ MORE:
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/05/17/pope-francis-elevates-2-palestinian-nuns-to-sainthood.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/palestinians-celebrate-sainthood-local-nuns-150516075453574.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/palestinians-celebrate-sainthood-local-nuns-150516075453574.html