From Vaticannews · · 1m 20s
A faith that unites: Youth festival in Holy Land
Over 300 Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics gather for hope and unity festival in Holy Land.
In brief
Over 300 Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics gather for hope and unity festival in Holy Land. More than 300 young Catholics from Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking communities in the Holy Land gathered for a festival celebrating hope and unity despite conflict. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
Youth festival gathering
More than 300 young Catholics, both Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking, gathered over the weekend to celebrate hope and unity at an event organized by the St James Vicariate.
Deep wounds in Holy Land
Father Piotr Żelazko, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel, emphasizes the wounds and conflicts affecting young people's lives and hearts.
Wounds of war and fear
Father Żelazko states young people carry wounds from wars, suffering, and individual experiences, with society failing to help them overcome fear.
True faith means unity
Father Żelazko quotes Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: 'Remember that if you continue doing these beautiful things, there will be people who do not accept them and will not support what you are doing.'
“Remember that if you continue doing these beautiful things, there will be people who do not accept them and will not support what you are doing.”
Praying in Arabic and Hebrew
The festival is the only day Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics pray together, with the vicar calling it the only place in the world where they pray in both languages.
Festival as hope for unity
Father Żelazko hopes the festival continues yearly and becomes an international event welcoming young people from other countries.
The one thing
More than 300 young Catholics from Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking communities in the Holy Land gathered for a festival celebrating hope and unity despite conflict.
