RAMALLAH – On Friday, February 26, 2021, His Beatitude Pierbattist Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, celebrated Holy Mass at the Holy Family Church in Ramallah. During the Mass, the members of the General Secretariat and the committees of the Youth of Jesus’ Homeland renewed their oath to serve the Christian youth of Palestine.

At the end of the Mass, Rafi Ghattas, General Secretary of the Youth, showcased the most important achievements of the General Secretariat during the last two years. 

“The youth are not the future, but the present of the Church of today,” said Rafi to Patriarch Pizzaballa. “They are the ones who will define the future of the Church of Palestine. If we don’t work together to preserve the Christian presence in Jesus’ Homeland, this generation might be the last to walk on this land.” 

Before the Holy Mass, the General Secretariat and the committees representatives briefed the Patriarch about their role, work and structure. The Bishop of Jerusalem commended the Youth on their work and reassured them that they were the link between the Church and the Christian youth of Palestine.

“Today we need leaders from the youth to be present in all spheres of the Church as they are the ones to live the reality of the youth,” said Patriarch Pizzaballa. “The Church does not only consist of the clergy and the consecrated men and women. Together they form the Church and the youth are the beating heart of this Church.”

The youth also talked about the challenges and problems they face in Palestine and their possible solutions. In turn, The Patriarch encouraged the youth to seek solutions in spite of all obstacles, especially that of the Israeli occupation. “Christian youth have the right to live in dignity and freedom and they should seek ways to acquire all their rights. The Church takes responsibility for the youth and families, and always works to provide them with moral and material support. However, the Church cannot meet all needs on its own. Its children should help and pursue initiatives for the fruition of Church’s work in society.”

Holy Mass

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem