News

On Wednesday, October 8th, members of the Interfaith Initiative in the Negev gathered at the Sukkat Shalom in the Eshel Avraham Conservative Community House in Omer to reflect on interreligious relations. The meeting, held during the Sukkot holiday, was dedicated to the memory of Martin Sessler, a beloved member of the Initiative who passed away shortly before Rosh Hashanah.

Taking up Pope Francis’ desire “that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and His summons to care for the poor,” Pope Leo XIV issues his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te,” as a call to Christ’s disciples “to recognize him in the poor and the suffering.”

On Tuesday, the first day of Sukkot, members of the community gathered in the Suka at St. Peter’s Church in Jaffa, built by Father Apolinary, to share a festive lunch, pray together, and give thanks to God. It was a joyful and meaningful celebration.

The new Liturgical Calendar for the year 2025/26 is available. The digital version (pdf) may be found on our webpage. The printed edition may be purchased through the priests responsible for the communities.

The St. James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel hosted a special celebration of the Feast of Sukkot on Thursday, October 9th, at Jerusalem Kehilla (HaRav Kook Street 10). The evening brought together members of the community for a joyful gathering of thanksgiving, unity, and reflection.

"Today we are not only celebrating the release of the hostages but also the resurrection of hope": this is how Father Piotr Zelazko, Patriarchal Vicar of the Vicariate of St. James for Hebrew-speaking Catholics, commented to L’Agenzia S.I.R. (Servizio Informazione Religiosa) on the release of the 20 Israeli hostages, still alive, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The annual retreat for priests of the Vicariate of St. James took place at the Monastery of Montserrat. All priests participated in the spiritual exercises from September 28 to October 3, 2025.

After yesterday's terrorist attack in Jerusalem, fr. Piotr, the Vicar of St. James spoke to the Italian News Agensy S.I.R. (Servizio Informazione Religiosa).

A weekend of prayer, friendship, and faith took place on September 04–06 at the Beit Noah Guesthouse by the Sea of Galilee.

Starting yesterday, a new video series titled Faith at a Glance is now available on our YouTube channel. Every Tuesday, a short video in Hebrew will be released, offering a clear and concise explanation of a topic related to the Catholic faith.

On Sunday, August 31st, the Youth Ministry Team had the unique opportunity to participate in an archaeological workshop held in the Antiquity Park in Ashkelon. This enriching experience combined history, hands-on learning, and fellowship in one of Israel’s most historically significant locations.

A Special Opportunity to Support and Celebrate: The Pilgrimage to Rome was an extraordinary event for St. James Vicariate, marking a meaningful step in our journey toward the Year of Jubilee. All participants received specially designed commemorative gadgets connected to this sacred celebration. Now, we are pleased to offer these exclusive products to everyone through our website. The quantity is limited, and all proceeds will go directly to support the charity initiatives of the Vicariate.

From August 11th to 19th, 2025, a group of pilgrims from St. James Vicariate embarked on a spiritually enriching journey to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. The pilgrimage was not only a time of prayer and reflection but also a profound encounter with the living Church, its history, and its present mission under Pope Leo XIV.

Four days (August 3-6) filled with joy, laughter, prayer, and unforgettable moments that is how we will remember our Children’s Camo. 54 joined in at the welcoming Casa Nova Guesthouse, right by the Sea of Galilee, to experience the theme “Jesus Meets Children”.

During the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV reminds the young people that Jesus is our hope and urges them to "adventure with the Lord toward eternity" as the Lord is "gently knocking" at the window of their soul.

From July 29 to August 1, 26 participants of St. James Vicariate from across the country gathered at the Sea of Galilee. We held our first-ever summer camp for young adults aged 17 to 20, a new step in our youth ministry journey. 

In the heart of Jerusalem, where faith and history intertwine, the life of Sr. Regine Canetti, NDS, stood as a quiet beacon of reconciliation, memory, and hope. A Holocaust survivor, a convert, and a devoted Sister of Sion, Sr. Regine’s journey from tragedy to testimony left a lasting imprint on the Church and the people of the Holy Land. Her passing at the age of 104 marks the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire.

From July 14–17, 2025, 44 young people and leaders gathered at the Monastery of Deir Rafat for Chosen for Life, 4 meaningful days filled with friendship, creativity, faith, and unforgettable moments. For many, it was their very first camp experience.

For the first time after the war the weekly Mass in Tel Aviv was celebrated. The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul was the occasion to meet in a cheerful atmosphere.

We are deeply grateful to share that a ceasefire has been declared, bringing a much-needed moment of peace to our region. This is a time to give thanks—for the safety of our communities, for the power of prayer, and for the unwavering support we have received from friends near and far.