Feast of Communities Sukkot 2026

Reflecting on the Patriarch's Letter

The program began with the arrival of participants from different parts of Israel. Following a warm welcome, Fr. Benny presented the Patriarch's pastoral letter, inviting everyone to reflect on its message and implications for the life of the local Church.

Participants then divided into small groups, where they read and discussed selected passages from the letter. These conversations provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, listen to one another, and discern together how the Lord is calling our communities to grow in faith and service.

Before lunch, all gathered for the Angelus prayer, entrusting the Church, the Holy Land, and the world to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Ark of Covenant.

A Feast of Fellowship

As befits a community feast, lunch became an important moment of fellowship. Chicken wings prepared on the barbecue were shared alongside a rich variety of food brought by participants from their homes. The atmosphere was joyful and family-like, reflecting the diversity and unity of our communities.

Throughout the day, a dedicated team organized activities for children, including a kite-building project that brought great enthusiasm among the youngest participants. Their joyful presence reminded everyone that the future of our communities is being built today.

Celebrating God's Faithfulness

The highlight of the day was the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over for the assembled communities. In his homily, Fr. Piotr reflected on the profound connection between the Feast of Sukkot and the Christian life.

Recalling the biblical tradition of dwelling in temporary shelters during Sukkot, he noted that the sukkah reminds God's people that true security is found not in human strength or institutions, but in the faithful presence of the Lord. Referring to the Gospel of John, he emphasized Jesus' invitation: "Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink" (Jn 7:37), words spoken during the Feast of Sukkot itself.

The homily highlighted God's faithfulness throughout the seventy-year history of the Vicariate of St. James. Like Israel journeying through the desert, our communities have often experienced fragility and challenges, yet have continually been sustained by the living water of the Holy Spirit flowing from Christ.

Fr. Piotr expressed gratitude for the countless priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful who have built and strengthened the Hebrew-speaking Catholic presence in the Holy Land over the past seven decades. He also paid tribute to the many volunteers whose service often remains unseen but is essential to the life of the Church.

Looking toward the future, he invited the faithful to embrace the newly inaugurated pastoral theme, the Year of Love, encouraging everyone to make their faith visible through concrete acts of love toward God, neighbor, creation, and society, especially towards the poor, vulnerable, migrants, and those who feel marginalized.

The homily also included prayers for peace, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine, for all victims of war, and for soldiers, including members of our own communities. Special prayers were offered for students, teachers, and school staff at the beginning of the academic year.

Drawing inspiration from the image of the sukkah, Fr. Piotr concluded by reminding participants that the fruitfulness of the Church is not measured by numbers or power, but by fidelity to the Gospel and trust in God's presence.

A Word of Thanks

The Feast of the Communities was made possible through the dedication and generosity of many people. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph for welcoming us to Kiryat Yearim and for their gracious hospitality.

We also thank all those who prepared the logistics, organized the liturgy, coordinated the children's activities, prepared the food, and contributed their time and talents to the success of the day. Finally, we thank every participant whose presence helped make this celebration a beautiful sign of communion, friendship, and faith.

As we begin this new pastoral year dedicated to love, may the Lord continue to guide our communities and fill them with the living water of His Spirit, so that we may become ever more faithful witnesses of the Gospel in the Holy Land.