One of our favorite things about going to the Holy Land is all of the priests we encounter…good, holy, humble, fun and funny too! This year was no exception!
Beit Jala
Abouna Iyad Twal (left): filled with wisdom, so kind and welcoming
Abouna Akthan Hijazen: sweet and humble
Abouna Johny Bahbah: so humble and funny too! How the children love him!
Deacon Tony: sweet and holy! He will be ordained next year.
Jerusalem:
Bishop William Shomali: a dear friend of HOPE. So warm, so holy and gentle.
Nazareth
Abouna Elias: kind, welcoming and so proud of his church!
Abouna Nidal: quiet and humble
Abouna Jack: a Franciscan in the truest way!
Nablus
Abouna Simon Hijazeen: This picture says it all…filled with love and joy!!
Zababdeh
Abouna Ibrahim Nino: young, vibrant and multi-talented!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Abouna Chris Geiger: our holy and joyful shepherd!
Heaven
Abouna Faysal Hijazen+ Our intercessor, with us in spirit throughout our pilgrimage. Missed beyond words!
Lord, we thank you for the gift of priests!
Submitted by: JoAnne Lacey
This is such an accurate description of these men. It was an honor and pleasure to meet them.
Blessings on these wonderful men and on the important work of the HOPE community!