Divine Mass on Occasion of the Feast of( Mar Musa Al-Habashi) in Al-Nabk

From all the parishes of the Diocese of Homs, Hama, and Al-Nabk and its dependencies of the Syriac Catholics, the faithful flocked to the Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian in Al-Nabk on a pilgrimage and prayer visit to participate in the Divine Mass, which was presided over by Bishop Yulian Jacob Mourad on the feast of the monastery’s patron saint, Saint Moses.

However, this year’s celebration had a special spiritual and faith-filled significance, as it brought together three important occasions: the feast of the monastery’s patron saint, the 31st anniversary of Bishop Mourad’s priestly ordination, and the confirmation and proclamation of the monastic community’s rules at the Monastery of Saint Moses within the diocese and in the universal Church.

Before the start of the Divine Mass, the head of the monastic community, Father Jihad Youssef, welcomed those present, including the representative of the Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, Father Victor, the priests of the diocese, the deacons, and the delegations of the faithful. During the Mass, the monks and nuns renewed their monastic vows before Bishop Mourad, who delivered a speech in which he said:

Peace and love of the Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Saint Mary, the model for every monk and nun, and Saint Moses the Abyssinian, the patron of our cherished monastic community. May their prayers be with us. Wishing you all, and all the friends and lovers of Saint Moses, this monastic community, our blessed parish in Al-Nabk, and the entire diocese, a joyful and grace-filled feast.

When we were sitting on the roof of the monastery church, writing the first pages of our monastic community’s rules back in 1994 with our founder, Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, I never imagined for a moment that I would be the one to approve the final version of these rules, which begin with the word “Talent .”

These rules have traveled a long journey, dating back to 1996 when we presented the first version to His Excellency, the late Mar Basileus Moses I Daoud, then Archbishop of our diocese, who later became Patriarch and Cardinal, and the Prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches at the Holy See/Vatican.

In October 2006, the Congregation for the Eastern Churches sent a letter to His Excellency, the late Bishop Mar Theophilus Georges Kassab, then Archbishop of our diocese, informing him that there was “no objection” from the Holy See to recognizing this monastic community as a form of religious life within the Catholic Church. Since this community sought to have diocesan rights, it was up to the legitimate authority of the diocese to confirm and declare that this monastic community is legally and canonically established within the Universal Catholic Church.

After consulting and reviewing the community’s rules, which were studied by a committee of bishops appointed by His Excellency for this purpose, the confirmation was officially declared on the Feast of Saint Moses the Abyssinian on August 27, 2011, approving what was deemed sufficient in its rule at that time under the title “The Monastic Rules of the Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian.” Thus, the monastic community became a legally recognized entity within the Universal Church under the authority of the local bishop.

And today, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Moses the Abyssinian, whose memory we celebrate and under whose intercession we find shelter, we affirm and declare this monastic community within the diocese and the Universal Church by approving the full version of its rules under the name:

“The Constitution of the Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian, including the Rules of the Covenant of the Fraternity of Abrahamic Monasteries.”

I ask God to bless the members of this monastic community in their dedication, vows, and commitment to the absolute value of love, faithfully carrying the mission to which we have been called—a special and beautiful vocation. This includes a life of prayer and contemplation, reviving the monastery’s Syriac liturgical tradition, manual labor in solidarity with all who strive and struggle in this life, and participation in building the Kingdom. Additionally, Abrahamic hospitality—an extension of the living tradition of our Syrian people in all its diversity—reflects Christ’s love for Muslims and the commitment to building bridges of friendship that herald a renewed covenant for all humanity.

We thank God who chose our Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, S.J., and sent him to this monastery, where he encountered the Beloved, recognized Him, and obeyed Him, even to the point of self-sacrifice in witness.

The responsibility of our monastic community in welcoming others is greater and deeper today than ever before. The spiritual and moral quest has become urgent, especially among young people who have profound existential questions that demand space and openness for exploration. The journey to this wilderness and the ascent to the monastery place the visitor in direct confrontation with themselves upon arrival.

Our diocese takes great pride in its two patron saints, Saint Moses the Abyssinian and Saint Elian the Hermit. Both were founders of monastic life in the Syriac Church. That is why we have come today on pilgrimage to this blessed monastery, accompanied by a gathering of our faithful diocesan believers—along with those who have joined us as participants and pilgrims—to honor the memory of our great saint. We shall also, God willing, make a pilgrimage to the city of Al-Qaryatayn on September 9th, to honor Saint Elian the Hermit on his feast day.

Our diocese is equally proud of you, dear nuns and monks. I address the young men and women, encouraging you to be generous in responding to the voice of God. Dedicate your lives to Him with deep contemplation, starting from the meaning of life for you and the purpose for which you were created, relying on divine providence and the gifts within you.

May the Lord God bless our gathering, unite us, and keep us in the grace of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one true God. Amen.