Jubilee of Children 2025

The day began in the Basilica of the Annunciation, where the majesty of Holy Mass filled the church. The children’s choir from the Catechism group in Tel Aviv led the singing, adding warmth and beauty to the liturgy.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by Patriarchal Vicar, Fr. Piotr Zelazko. During the homily, he invited children to "walk with Jesus". A procession around the inside of the basilica ended with a surprise: each child received a specially created Jubilee medal, bearing the logo of the Pilgrims of Hope and serving as a sign of their decision to walk with Jesus and grow within the family of faith. A simple yet powerful moment of blessing and joy.

After Mass, Bishop Rafic Nahra warmly welcomed us "home." The church was full, hearts even fuller. We were invited on a short pilgrimage towards the grotto of the Annunciation, discovering the deeper meaning of this sacred place and the mystery of the Holy Family. A beautiful moment of reconnection followed, as families greeted old friends and joyfully met again with Bishop Rafic, former Vicar of the St. James Vicariate. The bond of faith and friendship remains strong.

We then moved to the Don Guanella School, where the atmosphere was vibrant with hospitality. Fr. Marco welcomed us with open arms. Shady trees, open playgrounds, and peaceful surroundings made space for joy to unfold.

There was laughter, music, and shared meals. Picnic blankets full of food and generosity.

A special gift of the day was the presence of Sr. Audrey, Br. Abraham, and Efra, who came especially from the Tabgha Monastery. What a joy to reconnect after the Easter Camp! The children were especially happy to see them again.

Children then danced with delight under the lead of Sr. Audrey, who had taught many of them the choreography during the Easter Camp. This time, parents joined too, proving that joy knows no age!

While the children were dancing and playing, mothers were gently invited by Fr. Piotr into a quiet space of reflection and prayer. Psalm 23, the tender promise that even through the darkest valley, God walks beside us, gave words to what many hold in their hearts. It was a treasured pause, a breath of peace.

In the meantime, Fr. Roman shared a touching message about the Holy Family, followed by a quiz with Fr. Benny.

Families then came together to create; they colored icons of the Holy Family and wrote down prayers and letters of hope. These were lovingly placed in a beautifully decorated box and presented to Bishop Rafic, a sign of unity, prayer, and shared pilgrimage.

The day ended with a final blessing from Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko, sending us back on our journeys, hearts open, feet dancing, hope renewed.

A deep thank you to everyone who made this day possible: Fr. Marco Riva, Fr. Wojtek OFM, Fr. Piotr, Fr. Benny, Fr. Apo, Fr. Roman, Erez, Luca, Neel, Bhea, Vangie, Danielle, Monika, the wonderful youth ministry team with Raven, Izraela, Princess, Chelsea, Hannah as well as Sr. Audrey, Br. Abraham, and Efra. Your dedication and joyful hearts made this celebration a true gift to all.

Let us carry this joy forward — until the next adventure in the footsteps of Jesus!