His Holiness Pope Francis & His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa:

Hope Remains... Peace Shall Come

By: Lpj.org

A whole month has passed since the outbreak of the war, yet the blessed hope still beats in the hearts of the faithful who remain in the Holy Family Church of Gaza. Not ceasing in lifting their Prayers every day, and supporting each other, while receiving consolations from His Holiness Pope Francis, who has been showing his great support by contacting daily Fr. Joseph, assistant priest, and the sisters of Mother Teresa, as well as the Rosary sisters, who serve there, to check up on the well-being of the parish and encourage them by praying with them and consoling them amid their hardships as well as give them his blessing.  

On Thursday, November 9th, 2023, the Christians of Jerusalem participated in a Prayer for peace, which was organized by the Latin parish of Jerusalem in collaboration with Sabeel, and the Arab Catholic Scouts Center. His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Prayer and took a moment of silence for all the souls that have been lost throughout this war. Among the assembly were several Bishops, and Priests from different denominations, as well as a number of religious sisters.

Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, Custodial Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, gave an opening speech, during which he welcomed everyone and applauded H.B. for his stance and courage amid these difficult circumstances. Many intercessory Prayers and pleas were said by those who were present, which were always followed by a set of hymns presented by the children.

After reading the Sermon of Jesus on the Mount, the ‘Beatitudes’, from the Gospel, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mgr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa Pizzaballa expressed saying: "We must not lose our hope for peace! We have to choose Prayer over violence and destruction, because the final word is life". He expressed his solidarity with all who are affected in the Holy Land and the Gaza strip, as well as explained the efforts, which have been made to end the war and reach a just and comprehensive solution.

At the end of the Prayer, all the faithful and their children lit candles and placed them front of an Image of Jesus Christ, while saying the Lord’s Prayer. Then, H.B. gave the final blessing to all who were present.

O Lord, give peace in our time!

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This news was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.