Hebrew speaking Vicariate priests meet the Patriarch

For the first time since taking office, the new Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Mgr. Fouad Twal, met with the priests of the Hebrew speaking Vicariate in Israel, led by his Vicar, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa. In a meeting held at the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, the Patriarch warmly welcomed the priests and their Vicar. At his side was Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel.

The Patriarch listened carefully to the words of Father Pierbattista, who introduced the Vicariate and each of the priests present. He then asked each of the priests to introduce himself and his work within the Vicariate. The Patriarch and Bishop Marcuzzo asked many questions, expressing great interest in the work of the Vicariate.

The Patriarch, in his final words, stressed three main points:

1. He seeks to incorporate more intensively the Hebrew speaking Vicariate into the Local Church and for this purpose we must continue the search for the right framework that will enable the continuity of the important work of the Vicariate.

2. The Patriarch urges the priests of the Vicariate to be more integrated within the larger Church in the Holy Land. He would very much like to see the priests of the Hebrew speaking Vicariate involved in the general activities of the Local Church, including the days of reflection for the diocesan clergy, the annual retreat and the celebrations of the Patriarchate.

3. The Vicariate must continue to reach out and integrate the many Christians, both Hebrew and Russian speakers, who are spread throughout the country. The Patriarch stressed that the Church of Jerusalem in all its diversity is open to all the realities that are here in this land.

Finally, he offered his warmest thanks to his Vicar, Father Pierbattista, for all the work he has done for the Vicariate. Realizing how busy Father Pierbattista is, the Patriarch assured the priests that they can look to him for guidance and that when he returns from the Synod of Bishops in Rome he would present the priests with a more detailed plan for the future of the Vicariate.