On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, paid a solidarity visit to the Latin parish of Jenin, and assessed the damage caused by the recent ten-day military operation that took place in the city. Accompanied by Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, along with several priests, Mr. Sami El-Yousef, the CEO of the Patriarchate, and representatives from the Endowments and Engineering Departments.
Cardinal Pizzaballa and his accompanying delegation were greeted by Fr. Amer Jubran, parish priest of Jenin, along with Fr. Labib Deibes, Fr. Elias Tabban, parish of Zababdeh, Fr. Miguel Jimenez, parish priest of Nablus, several religious sisters, members of the Pastoral Council of Jenin, local parishioners from Zababdeh, and scout groups. Fr. Amer delivered a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude for the visit and outlining the extensive damage to church properties and the community’s hardships.
The Cardinal’s visit also included a session at the parish hall, where the faithful voiced their needs and hopes. In his speech, Cardinal Pizzaballa reassured those present, saying: “I am here to stand with you and affirm that you are not alone. Though we face tough times, despair is not an option. These buildings will be rebuilt. I urge the Christian community in Jenin and surrounding areas to stay united and resilient.”
Fr. Elias expressed appreciation for the Patriarchate’s ongoing support and highlighted the necessity of creating job opportunities to ease financial struggles. He called on the faithful to remain steadfast and collaborate with the Community and the Church to build a better future for the upcoming generations.
Concluding his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa and his delegation walked the streets surrounding the parish to witness firsthand the destruction inflicted by the military operation.
By lpj.org
