Presence of Hebrew Speaking Youth in Lisbon Noticed by Vatican News

You can read the article in various languages.

Hebrew: HERE.

French: HERE.

Polish: HERE.

Here is the English version:

A Journey of Faith and Identity: "Flower of the Desert" - The Hebrew-Speaking Catholic Youth Group from Israel at WYD in Lisbon 

In the heart of Lisbon, where tradition meets modernity and history whispers through cobblestone streets, a community of profound depth and diversity has emerged. The St. James Vicariate for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics stands as a living testament to the harmonious interplay of faith, culture, and identity. Within the dynamic global gathering, an exceptional youth group has not only arisen but has also left an indelible mark on the global stage during the recently concluded World Youth Day. 

In a world that celebrates its diversity, the youth group of the St. James Vicariate shines as a beacon of unity. They seamlessly weave together the rich tapestry of the heritage of Hebrew-speaking Catholics with the captivating charm of WYD, embodying the vibrant mosaic of contemporary Catholicism. The members, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds, form a tightly knit community bound by shared beliefs and a collective journey. 

Fr. Piotr Zelazko, the Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics in Israel, shares his experience: “Our group was a genuine mosaic of diverse identities. We had Israelis and Filipinos born in Israel, Israeli Arabs, as well as priests from Brazil and Poland. This reflects the diversity of our Vicariate. The unifying factor is faith, along with language and Israeli culture. Everyone identifies as a member of modern Israeli society, and this unity was evident within the group. Just as in our daily pastoral work, we felt united, regardless of our backgrounds.” 

Strengthening the Faith 

Ortal (31 years old) from Tel Aviv witnessed such a large gathering of Catholics for the first time. “This was a significant step in my journey towards Baptism. Coming from a non-religious Jewish background, faith was never a prominent factor. Since encountering Jesus in the Catholic Church, I've been seeking answers to my questions. Being a Catholic in Israel often feels like being from another world. Young Christians are a rare sight. During WYD, I felt like I was in the right place: the atmosphere, the testimonies of others' faith, the prayers – it all made me feel at home.” 

The Pope as a Symbol of Unity 

Jessa (20 years old) from Jerusalem emphasizes the importance of the encounter with Pope Francis: “Though we were situated far from the altar and the heat was intense, his words resonated with me personally. His message touched my heart. I believe he genuinely comprehends the struggles of today's youth. I can only imagine that others, no matter how numerous we were, felt similarly.” 

“Come to Me, All Who Are Weary” 

Justin (20 years old) from Tel Aviv acknowledges that the physical demands were challenging: “We slept in a school with hundreds of young people from various countries. Queues for toilets and showers were always lengthy, and the temperature was exceedingly high. Yet, nobody complained. I was amazed at how patient others were and endeavored to emulate their example. During the Mass, Fr. Piotr spoke and highlighted a weariness distinct from the physical. He prompted us to envision moments when life became truly burdensome. I reflected upon those instances when life seemed daunting, and I realized my need for Jesus to navigate through my moments of crisis.” 

A Hunger for More 

Daniel (29 years old) from Jerusalem has participated in WYD three times: “Each occasion was unique, and though I thought nothing could surprise me further after Madrid and Krakow, this experience differed. The inherent nature of these gatherings is their unpredictability, and the messages delivered are truly impactful. I translated Pope Francis' speeches and homilies from Spanish to Hebrew for our youth group, and I marveled at the freshness of the Love-based message he conveyed. No matter how often you listen to the Pope, there's always the newness of the living Gospel. I aspire to attend the event in Seoul in 2027 and once again be awed by the contemporary relevance of the Good News.”