No, it is not an archaeological find but a reality that is very much alive. It is the residence of the Nigerian ambassador, Mr. Dada OLISA who has offered it, since 2nd June 2007, to the Catholic community, the majority of whom are Filipinos and Indians who are domestic workers in the area of Herzliya, Herzlya Ha Pituah and Nof Yam. For many years the pastoral service was in the gymnasium of the American International School (AIS) in Kfar Shemhariahu. Then, on some Saturdays there were 2-300 faithful and on holidays 400 and more. Since the AIS moved to the area of Netanya, it is difficult and expensive for the immigrants from countries in the so-called Third World to reach. The hospitality of the Nigerian ambassador therefore came like a providence for which we thank the Lord. I also wish to point out that without material structures, this community, which is truly on a continuous path, meets on the eve of the day of the Lord, on Saturday evening, deeply motivated by their faith.A friar, or someone on his behalf, collects Mrs. Jossy FABROS : She is punctual, with a case holding everything needed for the celebration of Holy Mass. On arrival at the ambassador’s house, the field altar, which is very poor, is prepared and chairs are brought from the garage to the beautiful lawn. Whilst Jossy gives a catechism lesson to some English-speaking children, the choir rehearses the songs to be performed and in the meantime the readers prepare to give good Readings of the day. Many of them, waiting for the start of Mass, do their preparation seated on the garden steps.
The Mass is celebrated in total solemnity. It is interesting to see how this people on the march, especially those who have taken this service to heart, continue to do so with the due human detachment, that is, they do everything for the Lord, without considering or being influenced by the variable number of attendees. At the end of the Mass, they all return to the homes of the families where they are employed. Many of them have had only a few free hours, which they have wanted to dedicate with all their heart to the Lord as an action of thanks.
The friars in Jaffa, since the AIS has moved, have done everything they could to find another place for this prayer meeting. They contacted the various social centres, the Town Hall of Herzliya, the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Office of Religions, so that a place could be offered to these Christians, all with the approval and knowledge of the superiors. Unfortunately, until now, there has been no positive result.
These words of mine aim to thank the Lord for the faith and perseverance of these poor people who teach us to pray even without permanent structures, and at the same time show sincere gratitude to the Ambassador of Nigeria, His Excellency Dada OLISA, who with such great generosity has opened up his home to these faithful, going against the current trend of the politically correct. May the Lord bless him and all his family and in particular may He bless his country, Nigeria.
This Holy Mass in Kfar Shemhariahu is generally celebrated by the friars from Jaffa. However, it would be unfair not to remember the other friars who for many years offered the same service, driven by their love for the poor, carrying out this ministry without feeling it as something more although it was in addition to their official commitments. I would like to remember Fr. Antonio Luto, Fr. Philip Pavich, Fr. Raffaele Bonanno, Fr. Mark Hurst, Fr. Brian McTommoney, Fr. Peter Vasko, Fr. Davide M. Jaeger, Fr. Abdel Masih F. Fahim, Father Cormac McAtteer, Fr. Stanko Perovich, Fr. Fabian Thom, Fr. Malaky Brogan, Fr. Athanasius Macora, Fr. Benjamin Owusu and Fr. Andrew Arhin, hoping that I have not forgotten anyone. Some are already in the blessed glory.
The friar in the Holy Land must be a witness of God’s love and offer a 360° service of charity to the whole Church, without taking into account nationality or ethnic group. This is his DNA. This is the wish of St. Francis, totus catholicus, especially here in the East.
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