Dominican Friars at St Dominic’s Priory Hold Vespers for Christians in the Holy Land

On the evening of 8 September, the Dominican Friars of St Dominic’s church and Rosary Shrine in Haverstock Hill hosted a special service of Vespers to mark the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The gathering was held in spiritual solidarity with the Friends of the Holy Land, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable Christian communities throughout the Holy Land.

Father Joseph Bailham OP, the Parish Priest, led intercessions for peace in the Middle East. The prayers specifically sought justice and reconciliation among all peoples in the Holy Land, with a particular focus on an end to violence and unjust aggression in the West Bank. The liturgical music was accompanied by the parish schola, which performed the Magnificat by the composer Palestrina.

Following the service, a welcome reception was held in the parish hall where refreshments were served. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the mission and work of the Friends of the Holy Land from Edmund Adamus, the charity’s Advocacy and Engagement Manager. Adamus was joined by Father Mamdouh Abusada, a Greek Melchite priest and founder of the School of Joy in Bethlehem, who has been speaking at various venues in London about the support provided to suffering Christians in his country.

Father Mamdouh Abusada, along with the Prior of St Dominic’s, Father Matthew Jarvis OP, and Father Joseph Bailham OP, solemnly blessed handmade olive wood rosaries and crosses. These items were available for visitors to purchase, with proceeds directed toward the organization’s work. The event highlighted the tangible connection between local parishioners and the Christian communities in the Holy Land, reflecting a call to care for neighbors in distress.

The Fifty Faces of the Holy Land exhibition, featuring portraits by Marcin Mazur, remains on display in St Dominic’s church on Southampton Road, Haverstock Hill, until the morning of 14 September, the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross. This visual presentation continues to offer a window into the lives of individuals in the region, fostering a spirit of solidarity and awareness among the local congregation.

Father Mamdouh Abusada is scheduled to speak at Sunday Masses at St Joseph’s Highgate on 12 and 13 September. These appearances provide an opportunity for attendees to hear his testimony before his return to Israel and Palestine on 14 September. The ongoing engagement underscores the importance of bearing witness to the experiences of those living under difficult conditions in the Holy Land.

For those seeking further information on the Friends of the Holy Land’s work, Edmund Adamus hosts a monthly webinar on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm. This regular forum allows the community to stay informed about the humanitarian and spiritual efforts supporting vulnerable Christian communities in the region.

Source: Read the original report