The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was able to enter the city of Gaza this fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, and join the small flock of faithful around Father Gabriel Romanelli, priest of the Latin parish of the enclave. Cardinal Pizzaballa felt great joy in presiding over the Mass there and being able to administer the sacrament of Confirmation, a prelude to that of the Nativity which he will celebrate in Bethlehem in the West Bank on December 24.
Delphine Allaire – Vatican City
The day before before the Roman Curia, the Sovereign Pontiff expressed indignation at the refusal to enter Gaza presented to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The next day, the Latin Patriarch was able to reunite with his flock to celebrate Christmas at the Church of the Holy Family. For his second visit to the enclave since October 7, 2023, the cardinal expressed his joy with all dignity at the start of his Sunday homily: “Everyone wanted to come to be with you and bring gifts, but we couldn't carry many. You have become the light of our Church throughout the world”he assured in the parish where nearly 500 Christians have taken refuge.
“The light is here, in this church”
“The light is here, in this church”added the cardinal of Jerusalem, inviting us to turn to Jesus, “the only one who gives us the strength to endure this dark time.” Lucid, the Latin patriarch notes that the past year has taught the Christians of the Holy Land that they cannot count humans. “How many promises have been made and never kept? And how much violence and hatred are born because of men? he asks as hopes for a ceasefire are, once again and like all the others, more and more credible. Cardinal Pizzaballa invites the Latin community of Gaza to instead root themselves in Jesus so as not to lose hope. And to launch into an ode “the day after”to year zero, which sooner or later will begin.
“At the end of the war we will rebuild everything”
“I don't know when or how this war will end, and every time we get closer to the end, it seems like we're starting all over again. But sooner or later the war will end, we will rebuild everything: our schools, our hospitals and our homes. We must remain resilient and full of strength,” he declared, full of strength and confidence. “We will never abandon you and we will do everything in our power to support and help you.”
And the Italian cardinal especially urged the small community not to let hatred infiltrate their hearts. “If you want to remain a light, we must make our hearts available for Jesus alone», he urged, aware that the past year and this second Christmas of war represent a real challenge for faith. “How long, Lord?” we may ask. “Today we respond with our will: 'We want this situation to end quickly, but we want to stay with You, Lord. Christ affirmed this by saying: “I am Emmanuel”, which means “God is with us”. continued the Latin Patriarch, wishing that everyone “stay firm in your faith”, “pray for an end to this war”, et «have complete confidence that with Christ nothing can overcome us.” According to him, this is evidenced by the numerous miracles that occurred in the midst of the darkness of this year. “The whole world, not just Christians, wanted to support you and stand by you.”
Preserve unity, show our difference
“We must preserve our unity to maintain the light of Christ here in Gaza, in our region and in the world. We have a mission, and you must also give something, not just receive. The world that looks at you must see to whom you belong, whether you belong to the light or to the darkness? Do you belong to Jesus, who gave his life, or to another?,” he asked as drones were heard outside the church.
Concluding his homily, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem asked the Catholics of Gaza to point out to the world that they are different, quoting one of his faithful who once told him: “As Christians, we do not have violence in our blood. We want to remain Christian and remain the light in this place.”
