On Friday, April 11, 2025, in a day filled with deep feelings of faith and hope, the town of Yafa of Nazareth witnessed the celebration of the Way of the Cross, an event that became a living testimony to the unity of the churches and the believing community. It took place in a moving spiritual atmosphere, with wide participation from various Churches.
The celebration was presided over by H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by Msgr. Rafic Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar in Galilee, and His Excellency Msgr. Youssef Matta, Archbishop of Akko, Haifa, Nazareth, and all Galilee for the Greek Catholics. Also in attendance were Archbishop Ilario Antoniazzi, Msgr. Boulos Marcuzzo, parish priests of Yafa of Nazareth, as well as numerous priests, religious, and faithful from surrounding parishes and towns.
The procession began at the Latin Church of St. James and passed through the old streets of the town, stopping at the Greek Orthodox Church and then the Greek Catholic Church. It included the fourteen Stations of the Cross, which were carefully prepared, with diverse hymns and prayers offered according to various Christian traditions. This lent the event a shared ecclesial character that reflected the richness and harmony of Christian spiritual heritage.
People of all ages from the town took part in this spiritual event, men and women, youth and children, carrying crosses and candles, lifting their voices in hymns and prayers for peace in the Holy Land, justice for suffering peoples, and unity among the members of the one Church.
The celebration was marked by excellent organization, thanks to the joint efforts of the Our Lady of the Rosary Scout Troop – Yafa of Nazareth, and the Maximos Salloum Scout Troop. Their disciplined and loving service helped create an atmosphere of reverence and prayer.
The celebration concluded in the courtyard of the Latin Church, where H.B. Cardinal Pizzaballa delivered a brief reflection. He expressed his deep emotion at witnessing such a unified and prayerful gathering, emphasizing that “the Cross is not merely a symbol of suffering, but a path to resurrection and renewed hope, especially in this Jubilee Year which invites us to live in hope.” He called on all participants to live the meaning of redemption in their daily lives, to remain steadfast in faith, and to work for a just peace in our wounded homeland.
His Beatitude then imparted his blessing to all those present, amid an atmosphere of spiritual devotion and joy. Many took commemorative photos to preserve the memory of this historic and faith-filled moment.
This spiritual event not only reflects the local Church’s commitment to preserving its traditions but also stands as a living testimony to the Church’s vital role in fostering charity, unity, and shared service among its people in this Holy Land.
