Young priests of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have held their 5th session for sustainable development in Cyprus, accompanied by Fr. Samer Mdanat, at the invitation of the Latin Bishop of Cyprus Bruno Varriano.

This session falls within the framework of the Latin Patriarchate's commitment, whose spanning includes Jordan, the Holy Land, and Cyprus, to maintain the sustainable development of its young priests, enhance their pastoral mission, as well as support their priestly and pastoral journey in the early years of their ministry.

The program included a pilgrimage tour and pastoral visits to the most prominent Christian sites in Cyprus, where the priests learned about the history of Cyprus and the roots of Christianity there which involved field visits to the shrines of Saint Paul, St. Barnabas, and St. Lazarus, as well as monasteries, churches, and pastoral centers, where they met with priests, monks, and those working in pastoral ministry, and got apprised of the local Church and its challenges.

The participants also held a meeting with Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Cyprus Bishop Bruno Varriano, who gave an overview of the Church's situation in Cyprus, discussed its most significant challenges, and highlighted the pastoral achievements and successes attained in serving both the faithful and the local community.

The sessions provided an opportunity for communal prayer, exchange of priestly experiences, and enhancing a spirit of priestly brotherhood among the participants, within the framework of the ongoing sustainable development journey to which the Latin Patriarchate attaches special importance.

The young priests concluded their sessions by offering prayers for this beloved part of our dear Patriarchate, namely Cyprus by pleading with Lord Jesus to bless this land and its ecclesial mission, to nurture priestly vocations, and to confirm the young priests in their service of the Gospel and the believing people.