Since May 24th, Moysés Azevedo, founder of the Shalom Catholic Community, and Fr. Saulo Dantas, general assistant of the charism, have been in Israel visiting the Community’s missions in the Holy Land. They will remain in the country until Sunday, June 1st.
In recent days, Moysés met with of the Shalom Community and Work in Israel, and also with Church leaders such as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Melkite Bishop of Galilee, Bishop Yousef Matta.
The founder and general also made a pilgrimage to some sacred Christian sites: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Chapel of the Nativity, and the Grotto of St. Joseph’s Dream.
25 Years of Shalom in the Holy Land 10544b
The visit marks the 25th anniversary of the Shalom mission in the Holy Land, a jubilee of evangelization in sacred soil.
“Being here, whether in Nazareth or Haifa, in the land where Jesus lived, loved, and gave His life for us, is an immeasurable grace for us as a community,” Moysés says.
He believes the presence of the Shalom charism in the land where Jesus so often proclaimed the Father’s peace (Shalom) is a call for the Community to continue the mission of the Risen Lord.
“The Holy Land has a special gift for the entire Church. Here, our charism is enriched through communion among nations and through the experience of what is called the ‘fifth gospel’—the Holy Land itself. From here, we can bear even more fruit for evangelization,” he adds.
How Did It All Begin? 4m4h3v
The mission’s foundation was providential. Twenty-five years ago, during a Marian Congress in Quixadá, the Community welcomed Bishop Pierre Mouallem, then Melkite Archbishop of Brazil. He preached on Mary in Eastern liturgy and spirituality, reflecting on St. John Paul II’s vision of the Church breathing with “two lungs”: East and West.
During that event, Bishop Pierre announced that he had been appointed by the Pope as Melkite Archbishop of Galilee. Moved by the Community’s spirituality, he expressed a desire to welcome the Shalom charism into his new diocese, seeing it as a gift to the Church in the Holy Land.
“It was a path entirely led by divine providence. We never imagined having a mission in Galilee, but God wanted it. Today, we celebrate the fruits of these 25 years,” Moysés recalls.
Fruits of the Mission 5e4g
In 2000, the first mission was established in Haifa, where the Community carries out evangelization work among youth in communion with the local Church. Later, in 2002, the Franciscan Custody invited the Community to collaborate at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
There, the missionaries live what Moysés calls a “school of Mary,” bringing the Father’s peace to pilgrims from all over the world while being formed in Marian spirituality and contemplation.
Over time, the mission has also fostered local vocations for both the Life Community and the Covenant Community.
“This week, I witnessed our mission in Haifa with a full church and took part in a Life in the Spirit Seminar with over 50 young people. These are beautiful signs of God’s action,” Moysés shares.
Being at the Heart of the Church 2p1b6f
The Shalom Community’s presence in the Holy Land, especially in times of war and tension, is a sign of consolation and hope.
“We live the pains and hopes of this people so deeply loved by God. We are here to be instruments of peace, , and intercession. This is the beatitude we want to live: to be peacemakers, children of peace. We serve the Church and welcome every pilgrim so that, strengthened, they can go forth in mission,” concludes Moysés.
