This week’s topic is another interesting one! A Catholic High School teacher and two students speak about their experiences in reading the story of a Palestinian priest who grew up in the Galilee area. His book, Blood Brothers tells about growing up in Galilee and in 1948, at the age of 8, experiencing the tragedy of his poeple – to be evicted, along with his whole village, by the Israeli authorities and become a refugee in his own country. Today, Archbishop Chacour has become an ambassador for non-violence and someone, who not only preaches, but lives the Sermon on the Mount taught by the Lord Jesus. To learn more about Elias Chacour; go to www.pilgrimsofibillin.org.

PEARL OF THE WEEK: “Blood Brothers” by Elias Chacour. Available at the Pilgrim Center of Hope for $10.00. Call us now for your copy! 210-521-3377.
To read more about the Holy Land Christians go to: www.hcef.org.

SAINT OF THE WEEK: Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified (August 23 – Feast Day). : 1846 – 1878 (Feast Day: August 26th)
Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified was born of the Baouardy family, Catholics of the Greek Melchite Rite, Abellin in Galilee in 1846.

In 1867 she entered the Discalced Carmelites at Pau in France and went with the founding group to the Carmel of Mangalore in India where, in 1870, she made her profession.
She return to France in 1872. In 1875 she went to the Holy Land where she built a monastery in Bethlehem and began planning for another at Nazareth.

Noted for her supernatural gifts, especially for humility, for her devotion to the Holy Spirit, and her great love for the Church and the Pope, she died at Bethlehem in 1878.