Bethlehem University Takes Part in Midnight Mass at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral

Few thousands miles away from Bethlehem, a Bethlehem University graduate Johnny Bassous celebrated Midnight Mass at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.  The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, was the Celebrant of the Mass which was televised to well over a million viewers. “That means that I may share with tens of thousands the story of Bethlehem as the place where hopes and fears are met today” said Archbishop Kelly.

Johnny’s participation in the Mass was based on the request the University received from Archbishop Kelly, who wanted a Bethlehemite to deliver one of the readings in Arabic.  “I am so proud to be representing Bethlehem and Bethlehem University here today” said Bassous “it is a privilege to be a Bethlehemite”.

The current situation in Bethlehem was very much in the prayers of those taking part in the Mass.  In his Homily Archbishop Kelly communicated "As we celebrate the First Mass of Christmas this year Bethlehem as it is today and all of the Lord's own land is the focus of the active concern of our own Prime Minister and other world leaders. The choice to pray in the middle of the night is one way to pray with searching depth that the song the angels proclaim: "Peace on earth" may be realised in our day."