On January 21, 2025, a delegation from the Holy Land Coordination visited Caritas Jerusalem to witness the heartfelt initiatives dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in the region. Their journey took them from the serene Latin Parish of Al Taybeh village to various impactful centers, where they experienced the transformative essence of Caritas Jerusalem’s work.

As the bishops toured the Taybeh Medical and Rehabilitation Center, they were moved by the dedication shown towards care for women, the sick, and individuals with disabilities. Right Revd Elias Zaidan, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy, remarked, “We put love into action. This is their logo and their kind of objective, and this is obvious in everything we have seen.” His sentiment encapsulated the essence of Caritas, which prioritizes compassion in every endeavor.

The visit led them to the Vocational Training Center in Ramallah, where they recognized the importance of equipping individuals with skills for a brighter future. Right Revd James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, highlighted the support provided to those affected by the conflict in Gaza. “We witnessed the medical care they give to people, often at a discounted rate,” he stated, emphasizing the holistic approach Caritas adopts in addressing the community's needs.

The journey continued with heartfelt interactions at the Elderly Day Care Center, where the interaction between young volunteers and the elderly exemplified the community’s spirit. “Here, the dignity of the elderly is addressed, their loneliness is answered,” Bishop Curry conveyed, reflecting on the warmth that flourishes in these spaces.

Throughout their visit, the bishops encountered the profound impact of Caritas's work, which not only uplifts Christian communities but extends compassion to all. Most Revd Udo Bentz, Arch Bishop of Paderborn, expressed that Caritas serves as “a true light in the darkness… here for everybody.” This inclusive approach signifies the broader mission of the Church to embrace and support everyone, transcending boundaries.

Moreover, Most Revd Joan Enric Vives Sicilia, Bishop of Urgell, praised the commitment of young volunteers and urged a global audience to remember the Holy Land. “The Holy Land is for all Christians,” he emphasized, inspiring a call to action for support from the wider Christian community.

This impactful visit concluded with a sense of shared mission among the bishops, as Right Revd James Curry shared his personal experience of being “genuinely touched” by Caritas’s initiatives. He invited support not only as a gesture of goodwill but as an acknowledgment of the hope being planted in a region often overshadowed by despair.

In reflection, Right Rev. Canon Mark Madden, Secretary of the Holy Land Coordination, encapsulated the visit’s essence: “Caritas is not just about words but actions, demonstrating love for everybody.”

As the delegates returned to their respective communities, they carried with them not just memories of the visit, but a renewed commitment to fostering hope, healing, and compassion for those in need, both locally and globally.