On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the parish of Reneh celebrated the 60th anniversary of the church's inauguration with a thanksgiving Mass led by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Concelebrating were Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, Fr. Ibrahim Shomali, the parish priest, as well as several priests and religious sisters.
Established in 1964, the church was built to serve the growing Catholic community in Reneh, guided by Fr. Joseph Nicolas and funded through the generosity of the French Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.
As church bells rang out, the St. Joseph the Worker Scout group brought vibrancy to the event by performing symphonies that echoed through the streets. Upon arrival at the parish hall, Fr. Ibrahim Shomali and the head of the Reneh Council warmly welcomed Cardinal Pizzaballa and his delegation with words of greeting and gratitude.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa shared his joy in being with the parishioners and spoke about new initiatives aimed at meeting their needs. Reflecting on the Gospel, he highlighted the call to love both God and one’s neighbor, noting that genuine faith is demonstrated through compassion for others, much like Jesus’ encounter with Bartimaeus. He encouraged the faithful to embody the light of the Gospel and to live as devoted disciples.
A highlight of the Mass was the induction of ten new altar servers, with His Beatitude offering a blessing over their vestments.
Following the Mass, parishioners gathered in the parish hall for a meaningful dialogue with Cardinal Pizzaballa about parish matters, fostering a stronger sense of community. This celebration not only honored the church's rich history but also looked forward with renewed faith and hope.
