The Shalom in Madagascar, Africa, commemorated the Siege of Jericho with a seven-day adoration vigil from April 23-30, 2018. It began and ended with Holy Mass. According to Raimundo Manoel, a missionary member of Shalom Life Community in Madagascar, the Siege of Jericho vigil has been done every year in their chapel since 2012, but this year the participation was much greater: “In addition to those who are already active in our initiatives, lots of new people were present at the Siege including members of the Franciscan Third Order and other lay religious people“.
During the event many people shared their happiness for testimony to the power of prayer in their lives.Our missionary added: “Another fruitful outcome, besides the number of people who came to pray both day and night during the event, was the large number of intentions received from family members as well as friends and brothers of the community who demonstrated their great trust in our prayers.”
The origins of the Siege of Jericho
The Holy Father was to go to Poland on May 8, 1979 for the 91st anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Stanislaus, Bishop of Krakow. At the end of November 1978, seven weeks after the Conclave that had elected John Paul II, the Blessed Virgin gave a message that said: “The Pope’s first pilgrimage to his country should take place in the first week of May, in Jasna Gora, a Rosary Congress, lasting 7 days and 6 nights of consecutive rosaries before the Blessed Sacrament“
The commemoration has its origins in the Old Testament: after the death of Moses, God chose Joshua to lead the Jewish people. God told Joshua to cross the Jordan with all the people and take possession of the Promised Land. The city of Jericho was an impregnable fortress. When he reached the walls of Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw an Angel with a sword in his hand, giving him detailed instructions. Joshua and all Israelis faithfully performed the orders received: for six days the brave warriors of Israel marched around the city. On the seventh day they marched seven times. During the seventh lap, at the sound of the trumpet, all the people uttered a loud cry and by the power of God fell the walls of Jericho. (Joshua 6)
Translation: Jhoana Climacosa