A Letter from Fr. Steffy: In the Holy Land, faith endures as we await peace and reconciliation.
- Notre Dame of Jerusalem
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Fr. David Steffy, L.C.,
Chargé of the Holy See for the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
April 6th, 2026
Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,
Happy Easter. Although I am writing this on Holy Saturday, and like the rest of us celebrating these Holy Days of Christ’s death and resurrection, it is an understatement to say that the mood is more somber than usual.
Reflecting on the Passion of the Lord here in the Holy City, where it happened, one recognizes that these painful events are the fulfillment of the power of love carried to its fullest expression. What unfolds is not fate or tragedy, but intentional self-gift.
Arrest, accusation, mockery, and violence follow one another with relentless speed. Yet, at the heart of this movement is remarkable stillness. Jesus speaks little. His silence is not defeat; it is fidelity. The Kingdom Jesus proclaimed, built on humility, mercy, and freedom, now collides with systems sustained by control and self-preservation. In this collision, Jesus does not return violence for violence. He absorbs it.
This example of Jesus reminds me of a question a journalist recently posed concerning the effect of the war on people’s faith here in the Holy Land. I was able to respond quickly, “Christians here do not blame the Lord for the actions of people, but they await the time when the voices of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation prevail.”
Despite the sufferings of war and conflict that are part of the history of this Holy Land, hate does not have to be the last word. The bold proclamation, “He has risen,” is not just a pious thought but a way of life. The risen Christ appears not through dominance, but through relationship. What keeps the faith alive for those who believe in a God who is present with us is a committed love of the Lord, family, and community.
The Resurrection reshapes our understanding of victory. God’s triumph does not erase suffering; it transforms it. The wounds of Jesus remain visible. They are no longer sources of pain, but signs of love that has endured. The Resurrection does not deny the Cross; it confirms that love lived fully is never lost. Nothing offered in love is wasted. No prayer, sacrifice, or hidden fidelity disappears. The Resurrection assures us that even what appears buried bears life beyond what can be seen.
I feel privileged to be in the Holy Land during this time, and the men and women of all faiths who strive daily to turn fear into trust, fatigue into hope, and self-giving service into joy inspire us all.
This is an exceedingly tough time. It is tragic. The devastation to so many people, families, and communities is heartbreaking. The bombing continues daily. In many places, people have begun to sleep in shelters.
Our Guesthouse and one of our three restaurants are still open, with only a handful of guests staying here. The chapel continues to be a place of refuge and consolation for many.
People are tired, worried, and wondering what is next. Despite it all, so many people of goodwill continue to witness to and proclaim that life is stronger than death, mercy greater than sin, and that hope will always prevail. Let us continue to unite in prayer that the message of Easter will resonate in our hearts more than ever.
On Tuesday, we will have a special Easter Week meal for our employees. We are incredibly grateful to them for their spirit of service and hospitality and grateful also to you, who graciously offer your prayers and support.
Please count on my prayers.
Wishing you all a holy and joy-filled Easter.
With gratitude and every blessing,
Father David Steffy, L.C.
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