I speak on behalf of a people worn out after walking the Gethsemane road for six years…the way of suffering that has pierced the heart of the Syrian people and many other peoples who were witness to this.

Some were Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross. Others were shouting joyfully “crucify him”

A people exhausted, falling many times.

You were like the women of Jerusalem trying to console Jesus.

You were like Veronica wiping the face of Jesus, thus having the image of the suffering mother, the crying child, the marginalized old man, imprinted on your news papers, your news and most important printed in your mind and on your heart.

A people tired fed up with words and explanations. Now silence mixed with pain has become their only words.

Thank you for bearing the cross with us, thus helping us to carry it with forbearance.


Jesus and Mary Sisters in Syria