Jerusalem’s Marian procession: A call for peace in war-torn Gaza

Pilgrims attend Mass ahead of a Marian procession on May 31, 2024, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem to ask Our Lady of Palestine to intercede for peace in war-torn Gaza. | Credit: Rafi Ghattas

Near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead — and where Mary witnessed her son’s sacrifice for humanity — Palestinian Christians gathered on Friday, May 31, to ask Our Lady of Palestine to intercede for peace.

As a statue of the Virgin Mary was carried through the ancient streets, large numbers of believers lifted their prayers to the Virgin Mary, asking for her help to end the eight-month-long war in Gaza.

Palestinian Christians participate in a Marian procession on May 31, 2024, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem to ask Our Lady of Palestine to intercede for peace in war-torn Gaza. Credit: Rafi Ghattas

Before the procession, a solemn Mass was presided over by Father Amjad Sabbara, the parish priest of the Latin Church in Jerusalem, and attended by the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Continued below.