The city of Jesolo, near Venice in northeastern Italy, is a renowned tourist destination celebrated for its beaches and lively summer atmosphere. During the winter months, the Jesolo City Council, in collaboration with local parishes and the Monsignor Giovanni Marcato Cultural Center, organizes a unique nativity scene featuring intricate statues of biblical characters sculpted from compacted sand.
This initiative, known as the “Jesolo Sand Nativity,” has gained international acclaim, showcasing the artistry of renowned sculptors from diverse cultural backgrounds. The exhibition remains open throughout Advent and the Christmas season, offering visitors a profound experience of faith and creativity.
This year, the Jesolo Sand Nativity focused on two central themes: Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” (“We Are All Brothers”) and the parable of the Good Samaritan. Proceeds from the event usually support charitable initiatives, and this year’s contributions are directed toward aiding the Holy Land, particularly the people of Gaza.
The event was inaugurated during a three-day visit (November 29–30 and December 1, 2024) by Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, auxiliary bishop and vicar general emeritus of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, representing His Beatitude the Cardinal Pierbattista, at the invitation of Monsignor Giovanni Fassina. The Archbishop joined Jesolo Mayor Dr. Christopher De Zotti and Monsignor Gianpaolo Rossi, President of the Cultural Center, in a series of activities aimed at promoting unity, interfaith dialogue, and peace.
The Program included:
- The inauguration ceremony of the Jesolo Sand Nativity grotto, marking the start of the exhibition.
- An official reception at Town Hall with civic, religious, and military leaders, featuring discussions on the themes of Fratelli Tutti and interreligious dialogue.
- The signing of an appeal for peace and dialogue, to be presented to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
- Presentations by middle and high school students exploring the parable of the Good Samaritan and interfaith harmony.
- Celebrating Masses in several local parishes, fostering community participation.
- Visits to nursing homes to meet with and bring comfort to the elderly.
- A visit to the “Little Family of the Resurrection” monastic community in Marango (Caorle), offering a moment of spiritual connection.
- A moving torchlight procession for peace, where young people carried candles from the Holy Land and the symbolic Dove of Peace.
- Meetings with local media, provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of interreligious dialogue and support for the Holy Land.
Msgr. Marcuzzo also presented the critical work of the Latin Patriarchate in supporting communities in the Holy Land, with a special focus on relief efforts in Gaza. He expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm and commitment of participants in promoting peace and fostering interreligious dialogue.
Conveying the love, prayers, and appreciation of the clergy and faithful of the Holy Land. Msgr. Marcuzzo emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building bridges between cultures and faiths.
