Mary, Queen of Palestine

On Sunday, the Catholic Church here in the Holy Land gathered around Mary to celebrate her as Queen of Palestine. The shrine is located at Deir Rafat, some 35 km from Jerusalem, midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, near the town of Beit Shemesh. 

Church dedicated to Our Lady of Palestine

The Shrine was established by Patriarch Louis Barlasina, who in 1927 instituted this Feast in the midst of the difficult circumstances the Holy Land was going through, appealing for the  protection of our Lady on her earthly home (note that at that time the name “Palestine” designated all the Holy Land). Patriarch Barlasina built the present church, designed by a Benedictine Monk and architect, Don Maurizio Gisler. 

The inside of the Church dedicated to Our Lady of Palestine in Deir Rafat

The Patriarch wanted to decorate the ceiling and the walls of the church with the first words of the “Hail Mary”, in as many languages as possible. There are 280 versions represented, including Maltese.

Maltese version of the first words of the "Hail Mary"
Ceiling of the Church of Our Lady of Palestine

There is also an original oil painting of Our Lady of Palestine. The Virgin Mary appears in her glory, surrounded by angels and extending her hand blessing her native land. At her feet, the Mediterranean sea, the city of Haifa and the city of Jerusalem surrounded by a series of mountains and hills. Mary’s face has a tender look.

Oil Painting of Our Lady of Palestine

Christians, especially Arab Christians, came from all over Israel and Palestine to celebrate this feast. The main celebrant was the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem emeritus, Michel Sabbah, since the present Patriarch was in Rome for the Synod on the New Evangelization. During the celebration a number of other ordinaries of different Catholic Rites were given some role in order to highlight the unity and diversity of this local Church. At the end of the Mass, which was celebrated in Arabic, the small statue of Our Lady was taken in procession around the complex.

The small Statue of Our Lady and Patriarch Michel Sabbah
at the end of the procession around the complex

This celebration has helped me appreciate a little bit more the beauty of this troubled Church. The people’s faith is a simple one: they participated in the singing and in the responses of the Mass. Let’s not forget that this Church represents the first Christian community ever.

Afterwards the Latin Parish of San Salvatore, with whom I made this pilgrimage, went for an outing to a large green park in Tel Aviv. It was a joy to see families with young children joining in and enjoying themselves.