The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem visited the West Bank Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh on August 15, amid increasing harassment from Israeli settlers.
“We will continue to do everything within our power to preserve the ecclesial presence here, at every level throughout the Holy Land,” Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, O.F.M., preached during the Mass of the Assumption.
Cardinal Pizzaballa added:
We must also learn from the Virgin Mary how to guard our hearts, because this situation can contaminate our hearts. And if our hearts become contaminated, the ‘dragon’ has won.
But we want to remain a community that gives birth to life, without giving up or abandoning our rights, our right to life. So be courageous. Do not be afraid.