Pizzaballa to the Christians of Taybeh: ‘Even when evil seems invincible, its power is not limitless’

“I may not have answers on a human and worldly level, but I believe in God. And I am certain that, in Him, we can continue to give life, even here in Taybeh,” said Pizzaballa. The Patriarch reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to defending the Christian presence. “We will continue to do everything in our power to preserve the Church’s presence here, at every level, throughout the Holy Land,” he assured.

But protecting the Christian presence also means defending our hearts from fear and despair. “We must also learn from the Virgin Mary to guard our hearts, because this situation can taint our hearts. And if our hearts are tainted, the ‘dragon’ has won”, he said.

Then came the exhortation: “But we want to remain a community that gives life, without giving up or abandoning our rights, our right to life. Be brave. Do not be afraid”.

The visit comes whilst an Israeli military order issued last July remains in force, declaring the ‘Taybeh and Rimon’ area a closed military zone and prohibiting the entry and presence of Israelis and foreigners. 

The order has raised questions about access to the city for pilgrims, visitors, journalists and volunteers. “Your example is important, as we continue to be a Christian voice in the midst of this very complex situation,” said Pizzaballa. At the end of Mass, before meeting the faithful and families of the community, he prayed that the intercession of the Virgin Mary might accompany the families and mothers of Taybeh and that the town might remain “a place and a space of joy and life”.