On Saturday, June 7, 2025, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a solemn Mass in celebration of the Jubilee of Families, organized by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem as part of the ongoing spiritual and pastoral initiatives for the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Holy Land.
The celebration, held at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of Palestine in Deir Rafat, brought together bishops, priests, religious men and women, and numerous families and faithful from various parishes of the diocese. They gathered in unity to pray for families facing challenges, to give thanks for the gift of family, and to renew their commitment to living according to the values of the Gospel.
Family at the Heart of the Church and Society
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the central role of the family in both the Church and society, describing it as “the domestic Church, the place where faith is first sown and the values that shape the future of society are formed”.
He addressed the concerns of today’s youth, stating: “Today’s youth are deeply influenced by the media’s portrayal of family life. That is why we must bear witness to the true meaning and beauty of a family united in Christ, even amid the challenges of our time”.
He continued: “Today’s generation fears the word ‘forever’—that a family is meant to last forever. They are afraid of commitment. But we are called to ask: why? It is because Jesus is no longer at the center of our lives, our decisions, and the trials we may face.”
A Joyful Celebration and a Pilgrimage of Faith
Following the Eucharistic celebration, participants processed joyfully around the sanctuary grounds carrying an icon of the Holy Family, accompanied by hymns and prayers expressing the joy of faith and the unity of Christian families.
The procession concluded with the Jubilee Prayer and a final blessing from the Cardinal, who invoked God’s grace upon all present, praying that “every family in this Holy Land may be a living sign of hope, reconciliation, and peace.”
Heartfelt Testimonies
Many participants expressed their deep joy and emotion, noting that this event was more than just a celebration, it was a true renewal of the family spirit.
One father shared about the daily struggles of raising children amidst economic and social pressures, saying that the Cardinal’s words gave him “a renewed sense of hope and determination to carry on.”
A mother added: “I feel that the Church sees us, hears our concerns, and walks with us. This celebration reminded me that I am not alone on this journey.”
A young man expressed his joy at seeing families praying and participating together in the Mass: “We grew up in the faith, but today we need to see it alive in the faces of those who came before us. Giving us hope to continue despite the hardships”.
At the Heart of the Jubilee Year
Celebrated under the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope,' the Jubilee of Families sought to strengthen the family’s mission within the life of the Church and to affirm that, despite all challenges, the Christian family remains a place where the heart of Jesus is made manifest—through listening, self-giving, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
