Religious turns 100 in the middle of the war in the Holy Land

The religious Claude Cherrier, of the Sisters of Nazareth, celebrated his birthday 100 this March 12in the midst of the complicated situation of Holy Land. For this milestone, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conferred to the religious the prestigious order of the Cross of the Holy Sepulcher.

This important recognition was delivered to the HNA. Cherrier “in recognition of his dedication to faith and service throughout his life,” says the Latin patriarchy of Jerusalem (PLJ).

The centennial nun resides in the San Francisco de Nazaret elder home, where she received the visit of her sisters, headed by the HNA. Camelia Khoury, superior general of her community, along with Mons. Boucos Marcuzzo, Bishop of Emaus and assistant of Jerusalem.

The celebration shares the PLJ, “it was filled with warmth and joy” while those present sang the Happy Birthday In English and Arab to the HNA. Cherrier. Subsequently, Mons. Marcuzzo directed a moment of prayer and pronounced a speech in which “he reflected on the extraordinary religious life of HNA. Claude ”.

“The HNA. Claude is a brilliant example of religious devotion. He deeply loved Holy Land and his church, especially Nazareth, following the steps of the Virgin Mary and San José, whose grave retains the congregation since 1855, ”said Mons. Marcuzzo.

The bishop also praised the “numerous contributions” of the religious: “from the teaching and the novice tutoring to her function as a superior mother and interim general superior.”

“The celebration was not only a milestone, but the testimony of a life of faith, devotion and unwavering service,” said the PLJ On its official website.

What is the Order of the Cross of the Holy Sepulcher?

The Order of the Cross of the Holy Sepulcher It is one of the decorations granted in order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, which is the only secular institution of the Vatican State responsible for supporting the needs of the PLJ and all the activities and initiatives aimed at supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

The origins of the equestrian order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem date back to the first crusade (1095-1101), when Godofredo de Bouillon released Jerusalem. To structure the religious, military and public organizations of the territories released from Muslim control, he founded the order of the canons of the Holy Sepulcher.