On Saturday, October 18th, 2025, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a Mass at St. Anne Church in celebration of the life of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, founder of the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa). Cardinal Lavigerie established their presence in Jerusalem in 1878, instructing them to work toward Christian unity, respect local traditions, and engage in charitable works — a legacy that remains alive at the Church of Saint Anne.
Cardinal Lavigerie's 200th birthday is being celebrated throughout 2024–2025 with various events, including Masses, conferences, and reflections, honoring his enduring spiritual and missionary legacy.
The Mass was concelebrated by Msgr. Ilario Antoniazzi and Msgr. Boulos Marcuzzo, together with several priests serving in the Church of the Holy Land, in the presence of the Kenyan community and many religious orders.
In his homily, His Beatitude emphasized the Church’s call to live the spirit of the Beatitudes — especially that of meekness. He cautioned against the illusion that peace can be achieved by our strength, reminding the faithful that true peace is the peace of God dwelling within us.
Referring to the Gospel passage where the apostles were sent out two by two, he noted that they offered peace to each house they entered — yet it was up to each one to receive it freely. “Peace cannot be imposed,” he said. “We often burn with zeal to bring peace, but unless peace lives within us, our efforts remain empty. What should move us is not the desire for results, but the peace we already carry in our hearts.”
His Beatitude also highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community within the Church — of being one in our testimony before the world — for it is through shared life and humble witness that the presence of Jesus becomes visible.
The Mass concluded with a hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord, in gratitude for His work among His people through the life of Cardinal Lavigerie, and for all that the Holy Spirit accomplished through him in bringing the light of the Gospel to the world.
