News

From August 11th to 19th, 2025, a group of pilgrims from St. James Vicariate embarked on a spiritually enriching journey to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. The pilgrimage was not only a time of prayer and reflection but also a profound encounter with the living Church, its history, and its present mission under Pope Leo XIV.

Four days (August 3-6) filled with joy, laughter, prayer, and unforgettable moments that is how we will remember our Children’s Camo. 54 joined in at the welcoming Casa Nova Guesthouse, right by the Sea of Galilee, to experience the theme “Jesus Meets Children”.

During the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV reminds the young people that Jesus is our hope and urges them to "adventure with the Lord toward eternity" as the Lord is "gently knocking" at the window of their soul.

From July 29 to August 1, 26 participants of St. James Vicariate from across the country gathered at the Sea of Galilee. We held our first-ever summer camp for young adults aged 17 to 20, a new step in our youth ministry journey. 

In the heart of Jerusalem, where faith and history intertwine, the life of Sr. Regine Canetti, NDS, stood as a quiet beacon of reconciliation, memory, and hope. A Holocaust survivor, a convert, and a devoted Sister of Sion, Sr. Regine’s journey from tragedy to testimony left a lasting imprint on the Church and the people of the Holy Land. Her passing at the age of 104 marks the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire.

From July 14–17, 2025, 44 young people and leaders gathered at the Monastery of Deir Rafat for Chosen for Life, 4 meaningful days filled with friendship, creativity, faith, and unforgettable moments. For many, it was their very first camp experience.

For the first time after the war the weekly Mass in Tel Aviv was celebrated. The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul was the occasion to meet in a cheerful atmosphere.

We are deeply grateful to share that a ceasefire has been declared, bringing a much-needed moment of peace to our region. This is a time to give thanks—for the safety of our communities, for the power of prayer, and for the unwavering support we have received from friends near and far.

Today (23.06.25) marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Gourion, a revered figure in the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in Israel. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the faithful.

The war against Iran is a difficult experience for everyone in Israel. Alarms wake us up several times every night. We are terrified by the destruction and pray for the victims and the injured. Our faith gives us hope that peace will return to our country. We are grateful for all the prayers and words of support.

On Saturday (31.05.25) a joyful First Communion celebration took place at the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem. Twelve children, who had been faithfully prepared for this important step in their faith journey since October 2024, received the sacrament for the first time.

On Wednesday (28.05.25), people of different faiths gathered at the Tower of David in Jerusalem for a special interfaith prayer dedicated to the theme of “Mercy.”

On Saturday (07.06.25) thirty children from Tel Aviv for the first time fully participated in the Eucharist. Prepared by fr. Igino, the children celebrated with their parents the great joy of the First Communion.

On Friday (30.05.25) the members of the Pastoral Council celebrated the Jubilee. The meeting took place in Tiberias.

On Wednesday (28.05.25), the historic city of Jerusalem witnessed a remarkable event as people from various faiths came together for a March for Peace. This interreligious event saw the participation of numerous community leaders, including Fr. Piotr, the Vicar of St. James.

On Saturday (24.05), the St. James Vicariate brought together over 300 children and their families from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Haifa, Beersheva and Nazareth Illit for a very special gathering in the heart of Nazareth. The occasion: the Jubilee of Children 2025: a radiant celebration of faith, family, and hope.

On the day after the Mass for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry, Pope Leo XIV greets delegations from non-Catholic Churches, ecclesial communities, and other faith traditions, recalling his predecessor’s commitment to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.

On Sunday (18.05.25), the Jerusalem community gathered with great joy to mark two rare and remarkable events during the celebration of the Holy Mass: the 104th birthday of Sister Régine, and her 80th Jubilee as a nun in the Sisters of Zion congregation.

Last weekend (16-17.05.25) the Desert Flower Young Adults Group celebrated its Jubilee. The weekend in Tiberias marked by very hot weather was the last meeting in this pastoral year. We present short report from the event.

On Sunday (18.05.25) Pope Leo XIV presided the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome and invited the Church to walk together along the path of God's love and remain united in one family.