A Year in Review at Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

Notre Dame of Jerusalem
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

By Samantha Rivera

January 6th - Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

As we look back on the past year, we do so with gratitude for a journey shaped by renewal, perseverance, and hope.

Throughout the year, the dedication of our staff made every milestone possible, sustaining Notre Dame with care, discretion, and daily commitment.

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the opening of the Pentecost Room, a central element of the Notre Dame Experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the mystery of Pentecost through art and guided interpretation. This was accompanied by the renovation of the Shroud exhibition, further enriching the Notre Dame Experience.

We also celebrated the opening of the New Gate Hostel, expanding our mission of hospitality and making Notre Dame accessible to more pilgrims. Throughout the year, Our Lady of Peace Chapel, the Rooftop Restaurant, Dining Room, Auditorium, and Conference Rooms remained active and carefully maintained, hosting daily services, meetings, and events, including diplomatic celebrations, weddings, and other special moments.

The steady return of pilgrims restored life and prayer to Notre Dame, while we marked the one-year anniversary of the Bistro, now a lively meeting place for guests, locals, and pilgrims. Beloved traditions continued as well, including the Palm Sunday shawarma and the opening of the garden, once again filling our courtyards with warmth and a strong sense of community.

During this Jubilee year, Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center was honored to host the Jubilee of the Consecrated and Religious, welcoming men and women dedicated to lives of prayer, service, and witness in the Holy Land. Alongside these key moments, the year was also shaped by many other encounters, initiatives, and acts of service, some visible, others more discreet—which together sustained the daily life of the Center.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our stakeholders, benefactors, and friends, nor without the broader life of the Church during a year marked by the election of a new Pope and the appointment of a new Custos. We also rejoiced in Fr. Luis’ ordination and the one-month stay of the Legionaries of Christ brothers, which enriched our common life.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to Notre Dame’s mission as a place of welcome, encounter, and faith at the heart of Jerusalem. Thank you for walking this journey with us.