Cardinal Pizzaballa visits the VEC

On 20 November, the Venerable English College had the great privilege of hosting Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

 Cardinal Pizzaballa, who is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, came to visit two seminarians from the Holy Land who are in formation for the priesthood at the VEC.

 The Cardinal also gave a talk to the wider seminary community about his experience of ministry in the Holy Land over the past 40 years.

 He spoke of the challenges of being Cardinal of a patriarchy which covers 4 countries, has three priests’ councils, and two calendars (Julian and Gregorian).

 He also addressed the on-going war and humanitarian challenges in Gaza, which has seen the Christian population reduce from 1,000 to 500 since the war began.

 His advice to seminarians was to stay close to Christ, grow in love for the Church, make time for prayer, and have a heart for the people of God. “You are not a priest for yourself, but for others” he said.

 We give thanks for Cardinal Pizzaballa’s ministry and witness in the Holy Land in these days, and he remains in our prayers.