News

From 13–16 July 2026, 41 participants gathered at Beit Noah in Tabgha for our second Youth Kaytanah "In the Footsteps of Jesus". Over four unforgettable days, the young people did much more than spend time together. They literally walked where Jesus walked, prayed in the places where the Gospel came alive, and discovered what it means to follow Christ as His disciples today.

Thirty-two participants aged 16 and above gathered at Beit Noah in Tabgha, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, from 7–10 July 2026 for our annual 16+ Keitanah (summer camp). Under the theme, "Challenges – Walking with St. Paul," they spent four days exploring the life of one of Christianity's greatest missionaries through prayer, pilgrimage, workshops, friendship, and unforgettable moments of joy.

On 23 June 2026, the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Mary of the Resurrection in Abu Ghosh celebrated a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first three brothers from the Abbey of Bec-Hellouin in France. The jubilee brought together members of the local community, friends of the abbey, and guests from across the Holy Land for an evening marked by prayer, music, gratitude, and fellowship.

On the weekend of 19–20 June 2026, 20 young adults from the St. James Vicariate communities gathered in Nazareth with Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, reflection, and spiritual growth.

"Come and See" (John 1:39) On 12–13 June 2026, twenty participants of the St. James Vicariate gathered at the Monastery of St. Peter in Jaffa for another stop on our Journey of Faith. Inspired by Jesus’ invitation, "Come and see," the weekend offered time for prayer, friendship, reflection, and discovery

On May 29-30, 2026, families gathered in Tiberias for a special Family Weekend under the theme “Ruach HaKodesh” (The Holy Spirit). This enriching and prayerful encounter brought together parents, children, and youth for a time of community, reflection, and joy

On 3–4 June 2026, Bar-Ilan University hosted an international conference titled “Sustainability and Jewish Philosophy,” organized by the Maayan Centre together with the Office of the VP for International Affairs. The event brought together leading scholars and thinkers to explore the rich connections between Jewish thought, ethical responsibility, and today’s urgent environmental challenges.

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.