TAYBEH - On Friday, March 1st, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass at Christ the Redeemer Church, during which he appointed members of the General Secretariat, and members of the committees for the Christian Youth in Palestine, in the presence of the founder of the Christian Youth in Palestine, H.B. Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah, and several priests, religious sisters, youth, as well as the faithful.
In his homily, Cardinal Pierbattista addressed his words to the youth of Palestine, saying: “Now is the most urgent time to cling to prayer and hope,” adding: “Today you renew your promise before God to continue serving the Church and the youth, and therefore you must pray without ceasing until your hearts become like the heart of Jesus, shining with true light".
Regarding the war in the Gaza Strip, the Cardinal affirmed that the message he had received from the Christians of the wounded Gaza Strip brings hope to our hearts: “In Gaza, despite the tragic situation, our brothers and sisters have remained prayerful and faithful amidst the war. Their refuge is God, through whom they find comfort and peace, despite the difficult and long dark days".
Then, Fr. Louis Salman, chaplain of the youth, called on the appointed members of the general secretariat of the Christian Youth of Palestine, followed by, the members of the committees, who were called upon by Ms. Nadine Bitar Abu Sahli, to present their vows before the Lord and receive the blessing from H.B. the Patriarch.
At the end of Mass, the Secretary-General delivered a speech in which she thanked Fr. Bashar Fawadleh, the former chaplain, and Fr. Remon Haddad, the former deputy chaplain. And mentioned their most prominent achievements during the past years of the youth’s life.
Afterward, the verse chosen for the year 2024 was announced: "In their distress they cried to the LORD, who brought them out of their peril" (Psalm 107:28).
The youth’s message was addressed to Gaza, specifically, the youth of Gaza, declaring: that their prayer for them will never cease, and they will do all they can for them.
Also, on this occasion, they declared the beginning of the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian youth group, which was founded in 1964 by Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah.
The youth were assured that their meetings and work wouldn't be stopped, despite the challenges they are currently faced with due to the war and the inability to gather all the youth from the different regions of Palestine in one place.
The General Secretariat met with H.B. Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, during which they discussed several important points in the life of the members of the Secretariat.
Noteworthy, is that the General Secretariat met the day before to prepare for the start of the New Youth Year, where Mr. Rafi Ghattas, Public Relations Officer, introduced the General Secretariat, their responsibilities, committees’ divisions, and various activities. Also, Ms. Nadine Bitar-Abu Saheliya spoke about the concept of comprehensive Christian service. In the evening of the same day, the youth held an hour of Adoration before the Most Holy Eucharist, which was led by Fr. George Haddad, the deputy chaplain of the youth. The next day, Fr. Louis Salman gave a lecture about the topic of prayer, per His Holiness Pope Francis's dedication of the year 2024 to prayer. He also explained its connection with the verse chosen for this year, Psalm 107:28. Then all the committees met to begin preparations for upcoming youth activities.
In conclusion, the General Secretariat of Christian Youth in Palestine - “Jesus Homeland Youth,” thanked all the priests, religious sisters, members, and participants in the secretariat appointment mass, and those who contributed to the success of the meeting. The youth also thanked Fr. Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Taybeh, for the warm welcome in the parish.
The secretariat had missed the absence of many participants due to the prevailing circumstances in the country. They hope to meet soon. And asked God to bring about justice and peace to His beloved Holy Land.
