On the Monday after Easter, as per tradition, the local Franciscan and Catholic community, together with many pilgrims, gathered to celebrate the Manifestation of the Risen Lord at Emmaus Al Qubeibeh, in the place where the memory of this encounter between Jesus and Simeon and Cleofa is commemorated. With this celebration - said the Custos of the Holy Land - not only does Jesus remind us that he walks with us even when we do not realize it, but that there are many messages that this holy place leaves to those who visit it. Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land "Jesus offers us an Easter reading of everything that happens even in difficult, negative experiences, even in those of suffering and death. Jesus tells us that if you do not read in the light of Easter what happened to me, if you do not read in the light of Easter what happens to you, you will remain a prisoner in a pain which defeats you, and in a death from which you cannot rise again." This is an opportunity that allows the small Shrine, which is difficult to reach during the year because of the separation wall, to be filled with hundreds of faithful. Br SALEM YOUNES, ofm Guardian of the Basilica of Emmaus Al-Qubeibeh "Welcome to all the pilgrims who came here today to participate in our feast here in Emmaus al Qubeibeh(..). There is a crowd of people who came despite the bad weather, which does not help...but faith helps to overcome all the problems." Pilgrim Cyprus "Less and less pilgrims; I am sorry for the community of friars who live here. It is very difficult, I always pray for them to trust in God, to persevere in staying here and to guard this holy land." Pilgrim Italy "Now it is a liberation because now you can reach Emmaus Al Qubeibeh; now you can reach the real Emmaus, the evangelical one: touching closely and living the Fifth Gospel." "After sitting at the table with them, he took the bread, pronounced the blessing, broke it and gave it to them. At that moment, their eyes opened, and they recognized him. The same gesture was repeated at the end of the celebration when the Custos of the Holy Land distributed the bread as a memory of the moment in which the two disciples recognized the Risen One. Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of Holy Land "Every time we break the bread, Jesus is present in our midst. Even when we break the bread with the poorest and those who need it most, Jesus makes Himself present. (...) once we have recognized Jesus, we must rush to proclaim him to others. We must not be afraid, even if the night has already arrived, we must set out again and say I met him!"