Greetings from Jerusalem

By Fr. David Steffy, L.C., Chargé of the Holy See

October 6th, 2024 - Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,

Greetings from Jerusalem, united in our prayers and intentions for peace.

This morning, I had the privilege of concelebrating Mass on the feast day of St. Francis with many Franciscan priests and local clergy. The Mass was presided over by the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land, in the presence of Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and many people from the local Christian community. St. Francis is one of those saints that is hard not to love, no matter your religion or beliefs. His love for humanity and God’s creation touches the hearts of all who are familiar with his story and how he founded the Order of Friars Minor (OFM). I became a fan of his as a young boy after reading an abridged story of his life.

Celebrating the life of St. Francis today, under the cloud of fear and darkness hovering over the Holy Land, reminded me of the transforming power of a loving and virtuous life. He was a man of humility, peace, and poverty in a world that exalted power, conflict, and worldly possessions. He never gave in to those temptations, and his legacy is that of a spiritual tradition that has lasted over 800 years, inspiring thousands to give up the way of the world for the way of worshipping the Lord in peace and humility. His Franciscan sons and daughters continue to be a shining light here in the Holy Land as guardians and stewards of the Holy Sites and institutions that serve the poor and disadvantaged.

The Church of St. Xavier was so full that many of the concelebrants, myself included, could not participate at the altar. Most of us were blocked by a large pillar, unable to see the altar or the main celebrant. At first, this bothered me, as I am a visual person, and not being able to follow the Mass visually was unfamiliar. But rather than sink into frustration, I closed my eyes for most of the Mass and listened more intently. I responded more intentionally and visualized the mystery and sacrifice of the Mass internally. It was a profound experience. It felt as though God was saying, “Even though you cannot see me as you desire, I am with you and will always fulfill the longings of your heart.” This was a tremendous consolation during this time of tragedy, where the temptation to doubt and despair is so strong.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers, messages of support, and concern. My fellow Legionary of Christ priests, the consecrated women of Regnum Christi who serve and steward in Galilee at Magdala, and several volunteers joined us at Notre Dame last week when the intensity of fighting in the North increased. It has been a blessing to be together and process with each other the many emotions that come with ministering in a foreign land during a time of conflict and war.

I know many of you wonder if we are safe. Physical safety is not the real concern for most of us. Those who have lived in large cities know what it’s like to read about crimes happening around you without feeling unsafe. What truly weighs on us is being in solidarity with the suffering of so many innocents, living with the fear and insecurity that this suffering will not end soon. We continue to place ourselves under the protection of the Lord and the intercession of His Mother and the saints who have gone before us, witnesses to the power of love and service.

Sincerely in the Risen Lord,

Fr. David Steffy, LC