His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa presides over a solemn Mass in celebration of the Jubilee of Families
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a solemn Mass in celebration of the Jubilee of Families, organized by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem as part of the ongoing spiritual and pastoral initiatives for the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Holy Land.
The celebration, held at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of Palestine in Deir Rafat, brought together bishops, priests, religious men and women, and numerous families and faithful from various parishes of the diocese. They gathered in unity to pray for families facing challenges, to give thanks for the gift of family, and to renew their commitment to living according to the values of the Gospel.
Family at the Heart of the Church and Society
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the central role of the family in both the Church and society, describing it as “the domestic Church, the place where faith is first sown and the values that shape the future of society are formed”.
He addressed the concerns of today’s youth, stating: “Today’s youth are deeply influenced by the media’s portrayal of family life. That is why we must bear witness to the true meaning and beauty of a family united in Christ, even amid the challenges of our time”.
He continued: “Today’s generation fears the word ‘forever’—that a family is meant to last forever. They are afraid of commitment. But we are called to ask: why? It is because Jesus is no longer at the center of our lives, our decisions, and the trials we may face.”…
This news was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, click here to read more.