Bishop Antonio Franco, apostolic nuncio to the Holy Land, speaks to the guests gathered for the event.

Jerusalem, July 19, 2010. This past May 29, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem organized a commemorative event in honor of the one-year anniversary of the Holy Father’s visit to Jerusalem. The event was held at the Pontifical Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.

The goal of the activity was to refresh their awareness of the Holy Father’s message and to take stock of the fruits of his visit. Fr Pierbattista Pizzaballa, O.F.M., Custodian of the Holy Land, and Bishop Antonio Franco, apostolic nuncio in the Holy Land, gave the introductory remarks.

Next, María de Lourdes, a member of the Cançao Nova Movement, played the commemorative DVD of the Pope’s visit. This DVD was designed with the help of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Franciscan Media Center, and Cançao Nova. (Cançaco Nova is an apostolic movement that preaches the Gospel through the communications media, especially radio, television, book publications, and music.)

The DVD, which will be published in English, Arabic, and Italian, shows the images of the Pope’s journey from his arrival in Jordan to his farewell in the Tel Aviv airport, along with the main ideas of his speeches.

Afterwards, a photo album on the Pope’s visit was presented. (The original of this

	Albums with photos of the Holy Father's visit last year.

photo album was given to the Pope as a gift on his recent trip to Cyprus.) The celebrations concluded with a snack in the auditorium lobby, where Bishop Franco cut the cake prepared for the occasion.

This event was simply an opportunity for the participants to remember the days of grace they lived alongside the Holy Father, as well as a chance to renew their commitment to caring for the seeds he sowed during his visit.

Visit the Notre Dame of Jerusalem web site at www.notredamecenter.org.