Concert For Hope

In these challenging times for the Holy Land, we gathered with one message loud and clear: we dare to hope! 

Last Saturday (02.11), the evening started with the Holy Mass presided by H. E. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and concelebrated by a number of bishops and priests (among others H.E. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, H. E. Rafik Nahra, H.E. H. E. William Shomali, H. E. Boulos Marcuzzo, H. E. Illario Antoniazzi). In his homily the Patriarch mentioned the unifying character of the "first commandment" that puts focus on the love of God and the love of neighbours. 

During the Mass, the music was performed by a joint band of St. James Vicariate and Magnificat Musical Institute in Hebrew, Arabic and English. 

Notre Dame Jerusalem pulsed with life as it then hosted with St. James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics the “Concert for Hope.” After refreshment, around 500 people filled the Auditorium of Notre Dame Jerusalem, a vibrant crowd of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds, united by the deep longing for peace. 

The night was blessed with the presence of many distinguished leaders, including Msgr. Natale Albino (Head of the Mission in the Apostolic Delegation), Fr. Matthew Coutinho (Patriarchal Vicar for the Migrants and Asylum Seekers), Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel (Dormitio Abbey), Abbot Louis-Marie Coudray (OSB Olivetane Abu Ghosh), Fra Alberto Pari (Secretary of the Custody of the Holy Land), Fr. Rosario Pierri (Rector of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum), Fr. Andrzej Toczyski (Dean of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum). We were honored by the presence of Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Rabbi Oded Peles, as well as many Sisters and Brothers from religious congregations in Jerusalem.  

The whole audience sent a powerful message: in this call for hope, we are all one family. 

Fr. David Steffy, the director of Notre Dame Center, offered a warm welcome to all the guests. 

Young voices then took center stage, filling the air with music, live art, dance and poetry that spoke of endurance and courage.  

Each performance was a statement. Voices raised against the shadows, a reminder that humanity binds us together. It was as if each note, each word, was infused with the courage to believe that even in dark times, there’s light ahead. The message of this evening reached many in a way that words alone could not. 

The inspiring videos of people speaking with words of Pope Francis from his Bulla "Spes non confundit" helped us to direct our efforts in searching for hope. 

In this year dedicated to Hope, the St. James Vicariate invited everyone to join these young people in their journey, showing that while our stories may differ, our goal for a brighter tomorrow unites us. 

The concert was more than an event; it was a powerful affirmation that, even in the face of uncertainty, faith gives birth to resilience. May the Hope kindled in that auditorium continue to shine brightly in each of us, bearing witness to the strength we find in unity. 

The final blessing by Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko was inspired by Psalm 8, focusing on the young generation, acknowledging them as the bearer of a different future, carrying forward our hope and faith, even amidst the challenges of today. 

Thank you to all of you, coming from far and near, to share our hope in building a better future in a challenging world. 

And…the journey continues! Feel invited for our Musical “Simcha – angel bringing Hope” on 2nd of January 2025 at the Auditorium of Notre Dame Jerusalem. 

----- Click in order to watch a short movie prepared by CMC: HERE.

Our gratitude and heartfelt thanks go towards an amazing team who worked relentlessly to make this event happen: 

The technical team with Frederic Hazou worked relentlessly. 

Danielle, Fr. Benny, Kellsie and Monika worked out the concept of the overall program, including graphics. Danielle, Sr Muna and Monika welcomed the guests in Hebrew, Arabic and English. 

Fr. Benny led the music program in an amazing way, in his team were Betania, Marielle, Sinead, Renatyah, Baraket, Cristina, Erez. 

Ivan did an amazing live performance with his art. 

Yafim, Yelenka, Maia and Mika were the adorable family joining in the journey of Hope. 

The Arab-Society of Women in the Old City provided the wonderful buffet, arranged lovingly by the team of Marina. 

Helen, Yerus, Katrin were at the reception, Lioba welcomed the guests, Salma and Majd gave a helping hand as well. 

Matej, Piotr and Kranthiraj, Salesian students, helped with the liturgy and as ushers. 

Nadav and Anna helped to prepare the hall. 

Tatiana's art was the inspiration for a postcard handed out to the whole audience. 

Silvia, part of the team of Notre Dame Jerusalem, of welcoming the catechism group with Bhea and Luca of Tel Aviv and providing a lovely additional program. 

And of course, not to forget the youth of St. James Vicariate coming from as far as Haifa:  

Irah, Elaiza, Princess, Neil, Raven, Rein, Izraela, Raya, Regie, Adam, Omri, Alein) 

You were amazing!  

We are so proud of you and blessed to be in this journey of Hope together.