Greetings from Jerusalem

By Fr. David Steffy, L.C.,

Chargé of the Holy See for the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

October 6th, 2025

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Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,

October has come quickly upon us. I am writing to you from just outside the plaza of St. Peter’s. Instead of returning directly to Jerusalem after spending two weeks in the United States visiting family and friends, I made a detour to Rome for a series of meetings.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting with the Cardinal Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, to speak about the mission of the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem during this time of conflict. He expressed how close he feels to all of the staff in these difficult times and his deep gratitude for the positive and welcoming spirit of service they offer to the locals who continue to frequent the Center, even in the absence of pilgrim groups.

After that meeting, I went straight to St. Peter’s. I was struck by how crowded it was—lines stretched endlessly under the hot sun as pilgrims waited to enter the Basilica through the Holy Door. Their joy and enthusiasm reminded me of my own first encounters with the Holy Land back in 2018. I realized how much we are all longing for the return of pilgrims and for the blessings their presence brings. I promised myself I would never complain about crowds again. (Though, I must admit, being inside the Vatican had its privileges—I managed to slip in through the back door and then join the pilgrims to walk through the Holy Door as well. My Vatican passport came in handy!)

Passing through the Holy Door, I felt like a true pilgrim, sharing in the graces of the Jubilee Year. In that moment, I carried all of you with me in my heart and prayers.

I was also moved by the awe of those who entered the Basilica for the first time. The beauty of sacred art, in my experience, opens the human heart to the transcendent. Standing there, I was touched by the diversity of cultures, languages, and beliefs gathered under one roof. I lingered, simply watching people, asking the Lord to help me see each of them with reverence and awe. No human artwork can ever equal the Creator’s masterpiece—each one of us, made in His image. That morning, we all shared the same longing: to celebrate life and the creative spark God has placed in every person.

Now back in Jerusalem, I carry with me the strength and hope I received in Rome. I continue to hold you all in my prayers and pray that you too may have the opportunity to cross the Holy Door at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher—just a ten-minute walk from here.

With the closeness of the recent feasts of the Archangels and the Guardian Angels, may you always feel the nearness of heaven through the messengers God sends to strengthen, guide, and console you. May we never forget that to be truly human is to be drawn toward the Divine.

It is encouraging to see more and more pilgrim groups beginning to visit the Holy Land. For the first time in over a year and a half, in the middle of September, we welcomed our first two American groups. They were part of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher and were accompanied by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Naumann and Bishop Edward Rice. Shortly afterward, we also received a group of 30 pilgrims from Mexico. In addition, there has been a large influx of visitors to Jerusalem from around the world for the Jewish feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

Please continue to keep all of us who live and serve in the Holy Land in your prayers, along with the countless innocent victims of war here and throughout the world. It seems that, before long, processes will be put in place to bring an end to the war in Gaza, and there is hope that a renewed spirit of cooperation will lead to a time of rebuilding and healing.

With gratitude and every blessing,

Father David Steffy, LC