On Saturday, September 27, 2025, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Mass for Catechism Teachers of the Patriarchate’s schools in Galilee, held at St. Joseph’s Church in Shafa'amr.
The celebration was attended by Fr. Ramez Twal, parish priest, and Fr. Ibrahim Shomali, Director of the Patriarchate Schools in Galilee, together with several priests, school principals, and catechism teachers of the Latin Patriarchate schools.
At the beginning of the Mass, Fr. Ibrahim Shomali addressed the assembly, saying: "Today, for the first time, we celebrate this special occasion that gives our schools a spiritual dimension—the very foundation of our educational mission. The presence of His Beatitude the Cardinal among us today embodies the presence of the first Teacher for all of us, Jesus Christ."
The Mass included the renewal of baptismal promises and the distribution of a copy of the Holy Bible to each teacher, marking a new beginning in their educational and spiritual journey of transmitting the faith to the younger generations and strengthening their Christian identity. This rite also served as a reminder to teachers of their mission to be living witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives and role models for their students.
In his homily, His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the essential role of the catechism teacher, stating: "The role of the catechism teacher is no less important than that of any other teacher. It carries a unique mission that requires facing challenges to preserve our Christian identity and deepen the awareness of our children." He further stressed that catechetical ministry is a shared ecclesial mission, in which everyone takes part in building generations firmly rooted in faith, hope, and love.
He added: "Catechesis means to encounter Jesus and to love Him more. As teachers, you are witnesses to this faith; if it is not alive and meaningful in your own life, it will not be meaningful for your students. As today’s Gospel reminds us, you are called to see every student and recognize their dignity and value, unlike the rich man who failed to see Lazarus."
At the conclusion of his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his gratitude to all teachers for their dedication and service to the mission of the Church, encouraging them to continue spreading the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ among their students.
