Cécile Pilverdier RIP

Cécile was a true cornerstone of our community. She lived in Israel for more than six decades, having immigrated from France, inspired by the spirituality of the Sisters of Zion and joining the PAX NOSTRA sisterhood. From the beginning, she carried a deep commitment to fostering reconciliation and understanding between Christians and Jews.

After spending some years in Haifa, she moved to Jerusalem, where she lived through the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. For many years she worked as a physiotherapist for children, forming close bonds with dozens of Jewish families. She was a soulmate to Brother Yohanan Elihai; the two were inseparable - collaborating in community building, music, organization, and in cultivating the identity and mission of the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in the country.

Cecile was tireless in doing good. Her service to the community was immense: for many years she managed all the accounts and handled every administrative and bureaucratic need. At the same time, she quietly and discreetly extended kindness to many individuals, never thinking of her good deeds as anything extraordinary.

This past year was especially difficult. After a fall from her bed last May, Cecile entered a long cycle of hospitalizations, eventually leaving her beloved home overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem to move into assisted living. Cecile was strong and courageous, yet also vulnerable - especially in her final months.

She passed away at the age of 91 at Saint Louis Hospital in Jerusalem, having received the sacraments by the grace of God.

The funeral service was held in Ein Kerem - a place deeply meaningful to her - presided over by Bishop Rafik Nehra and five priests of the Vicariate: Fr. Piotr, Fr. Roman, Fr. Benny, and Fr. Apolinary, together with the Benedictine Abbot of Abu Ghosh, Fr. Louis Marie. The ceremony was simple, dignified, and heartfelt, attended by community members, family, and many Israeli friends with whom Cecile had built lasting friendships throughout her life.

We will always remember her gentle spirit, her modest presence, her musical talent, her kindness and sweetness, and her remarkable ability to form genuine connections with people of every background and age.

May her memory be blessed.

- Fr. Benny