- During his Dec. 19–21 visit to Gaza, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa encouraged the faithful of Holy Family Parish in Gaza to remain hopeful, reminding them of global solidarity and unity despite the devastation of war.
- The cardinal ministered to the sick and displaced, visited hospitals and humanitarian centers, met with Greek Orthodox Christians, and supported relief efforts.
- He also celebrated a special early Christmas Mass in Gaza, during which several First Communions and a baptism occurred, and he encouraged the community to have hope that their lives and futures will be rebuilt.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, recently took his traditional Christmas visit to Gaza, which he spent encouraging the Christian community of Holy Family Parish, ministering to the sick and in need, and celebrating an early Christmas Mass.
The pastoral visit began Dec. 19 with an event at the parish, where children from the Latin Patriarchate’s school and parishioners sang Christmas songs and welcomed Cardinal Pizzaballa, General Vicar Msgr. William Shomali, and several priests to their community, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The cardinal offered an address the same day, saying that he felt the visit was different from his previous pastoral trips to the area.
“I am happy to be once again among all of you,” he said. “For the first time, I feel a little bit of relief. I know the situation is difficult, but in the children, the school, and the activities, I see a small light of hope.”
He continued, “You cannot imagine how many churches, groups, associations, and people from all over the world are united with you at this moment.”
The cardinal emphasized hope for the future once again, saying that through love, the community will rebuild its schools, houses, and lives. He encouraged the parishioners of Holy Family, telling them, “Do not be afraid. We must move forward united and strong, to rebuild life in Gaza together.”
Later that day, the cardinal visited the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius and met with the parish priest and community there. He also visited a parishioner in the hospital to perform the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and celebrated Mass at Holy Family.
His visit continued Dec. 20 with an inspection of medical and humanitarian institutions in the area, including a clinic, a Catholic Relief Services aid distribution point, a hospital, university, and a displaced family camp. The day concluded with Mass at Holy Family and a Christmas play performed by the children. Cardinal Pizzaballa also distributed Christmas gifts to the community.
On Dec. 21, the last day of the visit, the Cardinal celebrated a special Christmas Mass a few days early for the community. Nine children made their First Communions and one baby was baptized during Mass.
According to the Latin Patriarchate, Cardinal Pizzaballa commented, “Every time I come here, even during the war, there is a baptism to celebrate. There is no Christmas without baptism. It is the best way to say that we believe in life and in Jesus.”
During his Christmas Mass homily, he reflected once again on the importance of hope, saying, “We are in a very difficult situation, like many others throughout Gaza. But now we are in a new phase. We are called not only to survive, but to rebuild life. We must bring the spirit of Christmas — the spirit of light, tenderness, and love. It may seem impossible, but after two years of terrible war, we are still here.”
Cardinal Pizzaballa concluded, “Little by little, we will return to life and shape our future here. As in the time of Jesus, birth is the birth of salvation in a place of destruction. This will be a new birth for you in this place.”
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