On Sunday, November 20, the Filipino Chaplaincy of the Holy Land celebrated the Feast of Christ the King in the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, in Galilee. 

This feast, which highlights the true kingship of Jesus and his kingdom to come, was added to the Liturgical calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1925, and marks the end of the Liturgical year.

Today, although most of the Filipino community live closer to the Tel Aviv area, this feast was the occasion for the Filipinos inhabiting the northern part of the country to officially mark the day by gathering together for a Mass presided over by Fr. Nikodemus Schnabel, OSB, Patriarchal Vicar for Migrants and Asylum Seekers. 

"Jesus Christ, our king, really shows us the beauty of being a human being," the latter said during his homily, after greeting the Filipino community as well as the Passionist, Benedictine and Franciscan brothers and sisters who attended the celebration. "Because his life was not about self-improvement but about self-dedication. So, like him, spend your time, your love, your life, without hidden intentions or agendas. Be with the others and with God, and really taste the beauty of being people of God."

After the Mass, which took place in Tabgha precisely because the Benedictine Sisters in charge of the place are called the Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King, the Filipinos continued to celebrate with a program that included dances, food and music. "Singing is for me a way to praise the Lord and to give thanks for all He does for us," said Jill, a member of the choir.