News

On the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, April 25, 2026, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa published a Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. We are pleased to present here the official Hebrew translation of this important letter.

On Tuesday, May 26, the Jerusalem Cinematheque hosted a screening of the documentary “The Bitter Way”, which tells the story of children living in Israel without legal status.

On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, the Vicar of St. James Vicariate administered the Sacrament of Confirmation in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. We give thanks for this day of grace and pray for all those who were newly confirmed, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit may guide and strengthen them in their Christian lives.

Our celebration of 70th Anniversary of St. James was noticed by some catholic media around the world. We thank all the journalists that decided to mention this important moment in the history of the Vicariate.

On the weekend (15–16 May 2026). The third "Journey of Faith" took place and united 19 young Christians from across Israel in a powerful experience of belonging, resilience, and fellowship.

Religious leaders, believers and civil society representatives walk together through Jerusalem to call for peace, human dignity and reconciliation amid ongoing tensions in the Holy City. Rev. Piotr Zelazko, Patriarchal Vicar: “This city has heard too many cries - let it now hear us walking in hope.”

On Saturday, May 16th, twelve candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, accompanied by their parents, Br. Luca, and Fr. Piotr, took part in a day of retreat in Jaffa, preparing their hearts for the sacrament.

On Ascension Day, Holy Mass was celebrated at 6:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives by Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko and the General Secretary of the Custody of the Holy Land, Fr. Alberto Pari together with the faithful of the St. James Vicariate. The Solemnity falls this year on the Day of Jerusalem (Yom Yerushalaim).

During the 70th Anniversary Gala a documentary about St. James Vicariate was screened for the first time. We thank Christian Media Ceter, especially Ms. Tatiana Gomes de Macedo for their work at the production of the movie. The entire documentary is available on YouTube.

On Saturday (May, 9th) the children of St. James Vicariate took part with great joy in the Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady, Woman of Valor in Tel Aviv.

When health becomes a luxury, pausing becomes essential. In April, the St. James Vicariate invited a focused meeting bringing together eight women living under constant pressure and limited access to care. With the support of a nurse and space for real exchange, urgent health and wellbeing needs were addressed directly.

On Monday (May 4th, 2026), the community in Jaffa gathered at St. Peter’s Parish for a shared celebration highlighting faith, light, and the unique bridge between Jewish tradition and Christian life.

On May 2, 2026, in Jerusalem, the St. James Vicariate for Hebrew‑Speaking Catholics marked a historic milestone: seventy years of life, mission, and witness in the heart of the Holy Land. The jubilee celebration unfolded in two deeply connected moments - a solemn Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of St. James, and a festive gala afternoon filled with music, testimonies, and gratitude.

The celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the St. James Vicariate for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics took place on Saturday, May 2. The afternoon gala, held in the Auditorium of the Notre Dame Center, was a moment of reflection on the present and of remembering the past. We were blessed by the presence and the words of many distinguished guests. We are pleased to publish the speeches delivered during the gala.

His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem delivered his homily during the thanksgiving Mass for the 70 years of the Vicariate of St. James for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel. The Eucharist took place on May 2nd in Notre Dame Jerusalem Center. We publish the text of the homily.

On April 21–22, the Jaffa community of the St. James Vicariate marked Independence Day with prayer, fellowship, and a shared pilgrimage despite uncertain times.

During Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Vigil for Peace in the world, the Pope appeals to leaders of nations to stop and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, "not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!" He also insists that the Church will always advance in calling for peace "even when rejecting the logic of war may lead to misunderstanding and scorn," and will always instill "obedience to God rather than any human authority."

Pope Leo XIV continues his catechesis series on the Dogmatic Constitution 'Lumen gentium,' and reminds us that holiness 'is not a privilege for the few,' but for all the baptized, and 'is manifested in our daily life every time we receive it with joy and respond to Him.'

Amid the ongoing war, this year’s celebration of Easter was marked by hardship and uncertainty. Yet nothing can diminish the joy of the Resurrection. Even in difficult times, our faith remains strong and alive. Here is how the Easter feasts were celebrated throughout the Vicariate of St. James.

To all our friends around the world we wish Happy Easter from the place where Christ raised up from the death. May His resurrection be the foundation of your life.