Jerusalem, October 8, 2025 — In a moving celebration marked by unity in Christ and the diversity of languages and charisms, the Church of Jerusalem commemorated the Jubilee of Consecrated Life with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Notre Dame Chapel of Our Lady of Jerusalem, presided over by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The Mass, held as part of the global Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations, brought together consecrated men and women from across the Holy Land. Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate; Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar for Galilee; Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo; and Fr. Matthew Marcel Coutinho, Patriarchal Vicar for Migrants and Asylum Seekers.
As the Jubilee Hymn of Hope resounded through the chapel, the procession of clergy entered, led by the Cross of Christ — “our anchor of hope and the heart of consecrated life.” The assembly, composed of men and women from various religious congregations, reflected the image of the first Church at Pentecost: a community united in Christ across languages, cultures, and peoples.
A Vocation of Presence
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa reflected on the deep meaning of consecrated life in Jerusalem, describing it as “a vocation not of power, but of presence.”
“We are here, limited as we may be, to bring the presence of Jesus wherever we are, and to live as witnesses of His love,” he said, noting that religious men and women are present “in every dimension of the life of this country — in schools, hospitals, parishes, and among the poor.”
Despite the divisions and wounds that continue to mark the land, the Patriarch reminded the assembly that “the Holy Spirit is still at work.”
“Jesus Christ remains the One who unites us,” he continued, “calling us to be proactive in teaching, serving, praying, and contemplating amidst the reality of our lives and the wounds of this country.”
God’s Faithfulness and Mercy
Drawing on the story of the prophet Jonah, the Cardinal spoke of God’s enduring mercy, even when human understanding fails.
Even when we resist God’s ways or fail to grasp His logic, God remains steadfast in His mercy,” he said. “He is faithful even when we are not, bringing us back to life as He did with Jonah, gently ensuring that His will is fulfilled in the lives of those who have said yes to Him.”
He emphasized that consecrated life is first and foremost “a covenant of love with Jesus,” and not a mere institutional role.
“All we do — whether in hospitals or among the poor — is out of deep love for God and His people,” he affirmed.
Love as the Measure of Every Choice
At the heart of the homily was a reminder that love must shape every choice:
“Love is what determines our choices — not means, not justice, but love for Jesus. Everything should be consistent with the love that has conquered our lives.”
In a world marked by mistrust and hatred, he encouraged those present “to keep loving, trusting, and building — not because we always understand, but because we have been loved.”
Hope and Healing in the New Jerusalem
Referring to the Book of Revelation, Cardinal Pizzaballa invited all consecrated persons to entrust themselves completely to Christ:
“In the New Jerusalem, which is an image of the Church, there is no need for a temple because the Lamb is the light of the world. We are called to be the light not because we are wonderful but because we have touched the lamb. The Lamb is enough; He is our light. Let us open the gates of our hearts and keep alive the Word of God in our communities.”
He concluded with a renewed call to all consecrated persons to continue embodying the light of Christ in a world often darkened by mistrust and suffering.
“Healing,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said, “comes through unity, compassion, and the courage to bend down to the wounds of others. This is not impossible—this is our calling.”
During the gathering, a special tribute was paid to religious communities who have remained alongside the people of Gaza during times of war and hardship, honoring their steadfast presence to serve the Church amid suffering.
A Time of Reflection and Mission
Following the Mass, Cardinal Pizzaballa led a special meeting under the theme:
“Bearing Witness as Religious Men and Women in the Holy Land Today: Challenges and Opportunities.” The encounter provided space for reflection on the mission of consecrated life amid the complex realities of the region, renewing a collective commitment to peace, resilience, and hope.
