In the context of the 175th anniversary of the Event of January 20th, our Jerusalem Sion Family had the honor and the happiness of celebrating Father Mary’s birthday, his last days and the remembrance of his death. During the week, Brother Elio Passeto NDS gave us some material and talks on Mary Alphonse for us to pray with and to reflect on. Alphonse Charles Tobias Ratisbonne was born in Strasbourg on May 1st, 1814. He was the second youngest member of his family. His mother, Adelaide died when he was four years old and since then he was brought up by his father, uncle, brothers and sisters. There is a description by Sr. Carmelle in her book, “Alphonse Ratisbonne from Rome to Jerusalem”, that expresses very well Alphonse’s personality: “playful and sensitive, he won the hearts of all by his spontaneity spiced by charm and intrigue of the unexpected” (p.7). Our dear Father Mary was a person full of energy, passion and love. As the quote says, he won the hearts of all including the …