Priests of the Vicariate Gather in Georgia for Annual Retreat

The retreat began on Monday, 7 September, with the arrival of the participants in Georgia and a visit to several significant Christian landmarks, including the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi, the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and the historic cathedral of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. After settling in the retreat house in Zerovani, the priests entered into a time of prayer and recollection. The first meditation, given by Bishop Giuseppe, reflected on the responsibility of responding to God's call. The day concluded with Eucharistic celebration, Vespers, and an atmosphere of silence intended to foster personal prayer.

On the second day, the retreat focused on the responsibility of discipleship. Following prayer and meditation, the priests traveled to the Benedictine cloistered monastery in Akhaltsikhe. There they were welcomed by the Capuchin superior and the monastery’s prioress, who offered reflections on what St. Benedict and St. Francis can teach priests today. The encounter highlighted the enduring value of prayer, humility, and faithful service in the life of the Church.

Wednesday brought the participants to Kutaisi after a morning meditation on the responsibility of proclamation. During the afternoon, Fr. Gabriele presented a reflection entitled “1700 Years of Christianity in Georgia: What Responsibility?” The conference invited the priests to consider the witness of generations of Christians who preserved and transmitted the faith through centuries of challenges and cultural change.

On Thursday, Bishop Giuseppe led a meditation on responsibility during times of absence, examining how priests are called to remain faithful and hopeful even in moments of uncertainty. Later, in Tbilisi, Fr. Akaki, Rector of Saba University, spoke about the responsibility of listening to the signs of the times. The priests also celebrated Mass in the cathedral of Tbilisi and enjoyed an evening of fraternity in the Georgian capital before returning to Zerovani.

The final day was dedicated to pastoral discussions among the priests of the Vicariate. These meetings provided an opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and hopes for the communities they serve throughout Israel. The retreat concluded with gratitude for the gift of priestly brotherhood, renewed commitment to the mission entrusted to them, and a deeper awareness of their responsibility to serve God's people with faithfulness and joy.

Amid the rich Christian heritage of Georgia, the retreat became a valuable occasion for spiritual renewal, strengthening the bonds among the priests and renewing their dedication to the Gospel and to the communities entrusted to their care.