Letter for 60th anniversary of the Apostolate of St James
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has sent a letter on behalf of Pope Francis for the 60th anniversary of the Apostolate of St James. The Apostolate is the Hebrew Catholic Vicariate of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
In the letter, dated 13 August 2015, Cardinal Pietro Parolin wrote, “The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the celebrations marking the sixtieth anniversary of the Apostolate of Saint James and he sends cordial good wishes to you and the priests, religious and Hebrew speaking Catholics of the Saint James Vicariate. As you reflect on the many graces bestowed by God upon the Apostolate and Vicariate throughout these years, His Holiness prays that all of you may be renewed in your joyful witness to the Gospel, ‘not only with words, but above all by lives transfigured by God’s presence’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 259). In this way, not only will the Vicariate community be strengthened, it will also become an ever more effective instrument of dialogue and peace within broader society and a sign of Christ’s love for those most in need. Commending the Saint James Vicariate to the maternal intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, Pope Francis willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as pledge of peace and joy in the Lord.”
The Apostolate of Saint James the Apostle, approved by the Patriarch Alberto Gori on February 11, 1955, was founded in order to answer the pastoral needs of Hebrew-speaking Catholics, Jews and non-Jews.
Today, there is a Hebrew-speaking community in four major cities: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Haifa and Beersheva. The Vicariate includes two Russian communities whose members are integrated into Israeli society.
Father David Neuhaus SJ, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel, had sent a copy of “Sixty Years – A Pastoral Letter” to the Holy Father. The letter can be read here.