Jerusalem’s Hebrew-speaking Catholic community marks 70 years, reflecting on faith, identity, and mission in a complex social landscape.
Newsroom (05/05/2026 Gaudium Press) The St. James Vicariate, the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, commemorated its 70th anniversary with a celebration that brought together 350 parishioners and guests at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center. Centered on faith, memory, and mission, the event coincided with the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Saint James the Apostle, presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Founded in 1955, the Vicariate serves Catholics living within Hebrew-speaking Israeli society, including faithful of Jewish origin, migrants, and international communities. Its presence reflects a distinctive ecclesial mission shaped by the complexities of identity, language, and often uncertain legal realities.
A Journey of Faith and Identity
The anniversary traced a path marked by perseverance and faith. Through prayer, music, testimonies, and a visual presentation of archival photographs, participants revisited the origins of what began as the “Work of St. James” and evolved into a unique presence within the Church in the Holy Land.
A key moment in the celebration was the premiere of a documentary produced by the Christian Media Center, offering a detailed portrayal of the Vicariate’s life and mission in one of the world’s most sensitive regions.
Honoring Memory and Sacrifice
Remembrance and solidarity were central themes throughout the gathering. The assembly honored priests, religious, and lay faithful who have accompanied the Vicariate since its earliest days. Participants aged seventy and above were invited forward in recognition of their role in sustaining the community.
Young members serving in the Israel Defense Forces were also acknowledged, alongside a moment of remembrance for those who had lost their lives.
“Every Stone Carries a Promise and a Wound”
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the anniversary, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the significance of the Vicariate’s journey within the lived realities of Jerusalem.
“Every stone carries both a promise and a wound; here the history of salvation and the history of the Church are interwoven in a unique way,” he said, underscoring that the community’s endurance rests not on strategy but on “one foundation: Jesus.”
Living with Challenge and Hope
The Vicariate continues to operate in a context marked by tension and complexity. Bishop Rafic Nahra highlighted that these challenges serve as a path to growth rather than defeat.
“These challenges did not come so that we would fail, but so that we would overcome them and grow in love,” he said, expressing hope that the community would remain “an open and embracing home for everyone.”
A message of support also came from Israel’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, who praised the community in a video address, calling it “everything good and beautiful” and emphasizing the importance of fraternity, unity, and mutual respect.
Responsibility for the Future
Looking ahead, Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko framed the anniversary as both a gift and a responsibility.
“Seventy years is a gift. It is also a responsibility,” he said, urging the community to remain faithful, attentive, and courageous, while continuing to build bridges of dialogue and compassion and to care for future generations.
Seventy years after its founding, the St. James Vicariate continues its mission: to live the Catholic faith in Hebrew and to offer a steady witness of unity and hope within Israeli society.
- Raju Hasmukh
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