JERUSALEM – On December 19- 20, 2019, and as is customary every year, the employees of Latin Patriarchate and the Coordinating Catholic Aid Organizations (CCAO) as well as the religious men and women of the Diocese of Jerusalem gathered around their bishop to convey their Christmas greetings. This year, the Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life of the Holy Land (religious institute of men) had the opportunity to present their Christmas wishes to Archbishop Pizzaballa for the first time.

On Thursday, December 19, two Orders and Congregations presented their wishes to Archbishop Pizzaballa; The Franciscans and the Rosary Sisters. On Friday, December 20, it was the turn of the employees of Latin Patriarchate, the Coordinating Catholic Aid Organizations, the Union of Religious Superiors of Women in the Holy Land and the Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life of the Holy Land.

Throughout the two days, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa spoke of verbs of motion that distinguishes the Christmas Gospels. The birth of Jesus had put everyone in motion; Joseph, Mary, the Angel and the shepherds, and through motion they were able to see and know. In this context, Archbishop Pizzaballa urged everyone to keep moving and not stand still and work diligently for the goodness of their society.

For the first time this year, the Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life of the Holy Land, came and presented their Christmas greetings at the Latin Patriarchate. “We want to take this opportunity to further strengthen our communion as Church of the Holy Land and our common mission of service to this earth and to the world from this earth,” said Fr. Jean Daniel Gullung, Director of the Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life of the Holy Land. He pointed out that in addition to the local clergy, 90% of the religious come from abroad, who give the local church a face of universality and work to serve the local population in the different institutions.

Fr. Gullung concluded by thanking the Apostolic Administrator for having visited the various religious communities, encouraging them to continue their mission.

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem