His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began his pastoral visit to Cana of Galilee on Thursday, February 6, 2025, which lasted until Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Every pastoral visit carries its own unique character. His Beatitude considers these visits an essential part of his pastoral mission. On numerous occasions, he has emphasized the importance of personally meeting and listening to the people he serves, as it allows him to better understand their daily lives—something that cannot be fully grasped from a distance.

 

Day one – A warm welcome reflecting fraternal love

The faithful gathered in front of the Church of the first miracle in Cana to welcome His Beatitude in a grand reception accompanied by the music of the Latin Scout of Reneh and the Orthodox Scout of Cana. Among the dignitaries receiving his beatitude were Msgr. Rafic Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, and Fr. Haitham Heno, the current Franciscan parish priest of Cana, alongside priests from various churches of the city, as well as the town's imam, Sheikh, and mayor. The scene was a true reflection of the spirit of love and fraternity uniting the local community of Cana.

The delegation then proceeded to the church, where Fr. Haitham delivered a welcoming speech, expressing hope for a fruitful visit. In his address, His Beatitude emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting the need to strengthen communal unity despite challenges and recalling Cana’s role as a center for pilgrimage and spiritual renewal.

 

Several other speeches followed, including remarks from Muslim religious leaders and the mayor, all underscoring the importance of solidarity within the community and fostering a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood.

 

Day two – Educational and humanitarian encounters

His Beatitude began the second day by visiting the Franciscan Sisters’ School in Kafr Kanna, where he was received by Sister Renée Moussa, the school principal, alongside Ms. Shireen Nator, Director of Arab Education at the Ministry of Education. During the meeting, he listened to the challenges facing the school before touring its various sections.

 

Expressing his joy at meeting the students and faculty, he remarked, “I was struck by the bright smiles on the children’s faces. This is essential for their growth in an encouraging environment. A school is not merely a place for academic learning; it is a space where values and principles are instilled, shaping future generations.” He also underscored the crucial role of schools in fostering both academic and spiritual formation.

 

Following this, His Beatitude visited the city’s mosque (the Old Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque), where he met with Sheikh Mohammad Dahamsheh.

 

Later, he visited the Kafr Kanna Institution for Special Needs, where he was welcomed by Mr. Ibrahim Khalaila, the institution’s director, alongside staff and families. During the visit, he stated, “This place holds special significance, as it reflects the community’s commitment to caring for its most vulnerable members, those God cherishes the most, and when we serve those in need, we are truly fulfilling God’s will. May God bless your service, and may you continue to be a light in your society.”

 

He also visited several families and administered the Anointing of the Sick to elderly and ailing individuals in their homes.

 

Day three – Strengthening Christian unity and engaging with local institutions

His Beatitude visited the Greek Orthodox Church, where he was welcomed by Fr. Leontius, the parish priest, and the church council members. In his address, Fr. Leontius stressed the importance of Christian unity, referencing Christ’s first miracle in Cana—turning water into wine—as a symbol of spiritual renewal and hope in how God can turn around events.

 

He then proceeded to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, where he was greeted by Fr. Simon Khoury and met with members of the parish. There, he reaffirmed the importance of prayer and unity within the Church.

In both churches, the Lord’s prayer was recited as a symbol of unity of faith.

 

Continuing his visit, His Beatitude met with Mr. Islam Imara, the Director General of the Municipal Council, and council members at Kafr Kanna Municipality. He praised the spirit of coexistence in the town and stressed the importance of promoting Cana as a religious pilgrimage site. In recognition of Cardinal Pizzaballa's efforts in achieving peace and societal harmony, he was granted an honorary citizenship certificate by the municipal council.

 

His next stop was Bayader Elementary School, the oldest school in Kafr Kanna, where he met with the administrative and teaching staff. He emphasized the role of education in community development and highlighted the challenges of modern times, particularly artificial intelligence and the impact of the internet on students.

 

The day concluded with a gathering with parish members and various local representatives, where he listened to their concerns, particularly regarding spiritual formation and Christian emigration. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them that meaningful change requires patience, effort, and hope.

 

After the meeting, he presided over a Mass at the parish church, with the participation of the parish priest and the parishioners.

 

Day four – Solemn Mass and conclusion of the visit

His Beatitude concluded his pastoral visit with a Sunday Mass, during which he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to seven boys and four girls. In his closing remarks, he said, “We have reached the culmination of this pastoral visit, and I want to thank you for the beautiful days we spent together and for your warm hospitality. I will carry your prayers and hopes back with me to the bishops in Jerusalem. As with every pastoral visit, I leave spiritually enriched. These visits are not merely meetings; they are opportunities to build strong bonds with the Christian community in the Holy Land.”

 

He also addressed a special message to the newly confirmed, saying, “In today’s world, where social media floods our lives with countless words, it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important. We must learn to listen to the words of Jesus, which are unlike any other words. It is not enough to hear them only on Sundays—we must make them a way of life through prayer.”

 

He concluded his homily with these words: “Now, having received the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are entering a stage of spiritual maturity. Your decisions must be guided by the Spirit of Christ. Just as Peter cast his net at Jesus’ word and received an abundance of grace, you are called to be true Christians—discerning between the words of the world and the words of Jesus, always giving priority to His word in your lives.”

 

His Beatitude departed Cana of Galilee carrying with him profound memories, leaving a lasting impact on the parishioners, and the society. His visit reaffirmed the importance of encounter, dialogue, and cooperation in building a better future for all.