By. Bro. Leo Adrian Imbert, SDB

Living in Jerusalem this past year has given me two new perspectives. The first is a view of the world much smaller than I had previously imagined. The second is a view of the church much larger than I had previously imagined. As an American citizen, I discovered that my simple pleasures, daily concerns, and basic values are shared by Jews and Arabs alike- people of various races, places and cultures. Suddenly the world went from a collection of conflicting nations separated by boundless seas, to a virtual island of common folk with common interests. 

As a Christian, quite the opposite happened. I went from a parochial understanding of the church to one that seems as expansive as the universe itself. Residing in Jerusalem is like living in an ecumenical playhouse. Orthodox, Coptics, and Protestants walk, kneel and stand alongside Catholics on a daily basis. We revere and hold sacred many of the ancient sites and relics connected to our Savior. Attending Mass at the Holy Sepulcher is an amazing experience. During the celebration of the Roman rite, one can sense the smells and bells of other liturgies occurring simultaneously. Each with its own unique movements and music- all of us united in paying homage to the one King of Kings. 

 The word Catholic comes from the connection of two Greek words, kata (according to) and holos (whole). This is unusually simplified as universal. As a Salesian living and studying at the Ratisbonne, I am experiencing  the true meaning of this term. We are a community of about forty Salesians from 22 different countries and 5 continents. Although there are differences in language, customs, and norms, I am encouraged by what we do have in common. Essentially, everyone here speaks Salesian. We use the same vernacular – albeit in different languages. We understand the mission in the same way and we carry within us the same charism. Serving in different apostolates among various peoples, we are able to bring that Salesian spirit to a receptive and grateful group throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding cities. It brings me great pride to see how we are sought after in the formation of their young. Whether it be Franciscan, Ethiopian Orthodox, religious sisters, or parish communities throughout the region, the Salasian oratory model is the gold standard. We create a safe christian environment wherever we go- centered on Jesus and Mary- full of joy and laughter, where kids can be kids, and bask in the warmth of a loving God.

Even in religious schools and oratories where there are predominantly Muslim children, their Muslim parents have expressed gratitude for the love that is palpable in the playground and in the classrooms. I recall going to Bethlehem in September for the first time to visit the Basilica of the Nativity. Despite the large crowds, cars, and security we seemed to always have a friend on the inside. To park our van, gates were open. To see the place of Jesus’ birth, we bypassed crowds and were ushered in. Often the person helping us would eagerly approach us to shake our hands. Afterward Fr. Vincent, one of our formators, mentioned that all of our connections that day were Muslim and past pupils of our schools and oratories. In fact, it was the Salesians who first brought electricity to the city. I was truly moved by how well respected the Salesians are- not because of a head-long, aggressively imposed proselytization. Rather for the subtle, inviting, and joyful presence we provide. If a doctrinal auditor would survey our Muslim-majority apostolates looking for the christian message, on the surface they may not find it. However, what cannot be denied was the warm look in the eyes of the Muslim security guards who shook our hands, or the sincere gratitude they expressed for the Salesians who formed them. Although they may not have been converted to christianity, this love they expressed to us, reaffirmed my vocation and instructed me on how we Salesians, in terms of evangelization, are playing the long game.  

One event that encapsulated the beautiful reality of a church so vast and yet so intimate occurred in late January. After several months of slowly taking in the city, I encountered many of the various orders and societies that inhabit the Catholic Church. From Diocesan priests, to religious Franciscans, Benedictines, Carmelites, White Fathers, Rosary Sisters, Oblates of the Assumption, et cetera. There is even one ascetic and holy man named James, dressed in a modest tunic, who wanders the Holy City evangelizing with every step of his bare feet. At first, these various people, parishes, monasteries and terra sancta custodia seemed so confusing and disconnected. Then the event occurred. It was the Feast Day of St. John Bosco. Upon entering our modest church at the Ratisbonne Monastery, I was amazed at the amount of people that had crowded together. I was almost unable to find a place to sit. After securing a seat in the back, I began noticing people and faces familiar to me. They were lay people and sisters from the numerous places, apostolates and societies that I had come across during my time here. Some were even professors at the Ratisbonne. As the music kicked in and all stood, one the longest procession of Catholic priests I had ever seen entered the church two by two. These too were familiar faces. “What was going on here?” I thought. “…wait, they are all here for Don Bosco?” I was moved to tears seeing the liturgy that was unfolding before me. They were here to celebrate the figure whose charism we as Salesians have vowed to carry on. It was a great show of unity, of solidarity and dedication to Christ, our Redeemer. The presider was none other than the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Yllana. The entire liturgy was completely surreal and moving. This was especially true during the homily. Archbishop Yllana spoke well of Don Bosco. The prelate displayed a great reverence for and knowledge of our 19th century founder. The Nuncio revealed an amazing grasp of Bosco’s particular style, method and charism. 

After the Mass, the social party commenced. The vast crowd that gathered for the feast spilled out far beyond the refectory. As I roamed through the crowd, people with whom I merely had a passing encounter during the year were greeting me with a “buona festa!” and a warm embrace. There was an abundance of food, laughter, song and dance- along with the occasional “¡Viva Don Bosco!” “¡Viva Maria Mazzarello!” “¡Viva Domenico Savio!” “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” Even James of Jerusalem came to pay tribute to Don Bosco-still discalced and in his famous tunic. I was able to enjoy an extended conversation with him over food and a fair share of wine. After this event, roaming the city seemed different. I no longer felt like a foreigner in a strange land. I began to feel at home- something I thought would take much longer to achieve. No longer was Catholic Jerusalem a collection of disparate orders and societies. It was now a cohesive unit- each with its own particular charism. Each with its own particular apostolate and custody. Yet we are all united in a single mission, issued by Christ our King, to evangelize the world.

Another event that expanded my view of the title Catholic occurred this last Palm Sunday. Our leaders here at the Ratisbonne informed us that we will be participating in the Palm Sunday event. I had no idea what this entailed. I had my first inkling of what the day was going to consist of when, after emerging from my room wearing clericals (as one would do on a formal feast day), I was surprised to see the veteran Salesians dressed in festive garb, holding guitars, drums and all sorts of other musical instruments from various cultures. What a rookie mistake I had committed! We then boarded a bus and made our way to the Mount of Olives, where a throng of believers were holding their palm branches, and greeting each other with smiles and warm embraces. Despite the backdrop of war, there was a spirit of hope and rejuvenation. After a prayer service led by the Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the long and joyful pilgrimage towards the Holy City began – commemorating our Savior’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The entire procession, which stretched for more than a mile, was enveloped in prayerful songs and dancing, cheers and chants. If one were to stand in place and allow their walking companions to continue on, it would not be too long in the procession before another cluster of sounds and cheers would emerge. 

No cluster of sounds and cheers was more impressive than that of the Salesians. The effervescent disposition and joyful optimism that characterizes the congregation was in full display that day. Many pilgrims gravitated to the Salesian cluster because of the magnetic melodies that resonated from our section. Men and women, young and old, joined us in song and dance. Special commendation should go to our African Salesians that brought such rich rhythm to the celebration. Their melodic songs and invigorating percussion carried the pulse of the procession and seemed to have, single handedly, compelled the crowd forward. It was truly a great day to be a Salesian. 

As the Christian parade marched on, one could see along the way Jews and Muslims alike standing on the sidelines as the long line of faithful filed through winding streets on its way to the gates of Jerusalem. I got a kick observing them observing us. Their expressions were part baffled, part intrigued. Despite not quite knowing what to make of it, they certainly captured the vibe we exuded- responding to it with smiles and waving. The inconvenience we may have caused ordinary Jews and Muslims trying to make their way through the streets did not seem to bother them. On the contrary, It seemed to me as though they welcomed this moment of joy in a time of great destruction and sorrow. Residents of the Holy City gladly made way for their Christian neighbors. Israeli police and military, charged with closing the streets and crowd control, looked on- leaning on their cars and conversing with each other, free from the stress that would usually accompany an assembly of thousands. Rather, they were met with people thanking them and acknowledging the service they were providing. The peace that the christians exhibited permeated throughout all religious factions. 

As we entered through the Lion’s gate and into the Muslim Quarter, some Muslim families looked on from their balconies and scattered us with rice in honor of our celebration of Isa, their prophet. It was the most amazing religious experience of my life. Quintessential Catholicism was on display that day. A universal celebration of life and love. On this day, Jesus Christ was the true and undisputed King of a unified Jerusalem.