The apostolic administrator looks at the Patriarchate’s administrative and financial errors. Lent is a way to conversion. Priests and the community are committed. The treasure will shine in earthen vessels.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – For the first time in his capacity as apostolic administrator, Mgr Pizzaballa has addressed a letter for Lent to the diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
In the missive, he touches the situation of the Patriarchate, noting the role it has played in its 170 years of existence and the important contributions it has made to the life of Christians in terms of schools, parishes and institutions.
Quoting from Pope Francis, Mgr Pizzaballa calls on the faithful to "refuse to settle for mediocrity ", but prepare themselves instead for the Lenten journey of conversion.
Speaking about his work as apostolic administrator, he cites existing problems, in particular financial and administrative difficulties. " We [. . .] failed in some important areas,” he writes, “perhaps not focused enough on our primary mission: preaching the Gospel and dedicate ourselves to the pastoral activities."
The problems include financial issues related to the American University of Madaba set up by the Patriarchate. At the end of 2014, the Holy See created an ad hoc committee to ensure its stability.
The way to turn this crisis into a "place for a new life" started just before Lent with the meeting of all the priests of the Latin Patriarchate, on 27 and 28 February, at the House of the Visitation of the Sisters of the Rosary, in Fuheis, Jordan. The meeting serves as an annual general meeting.
"We have much to do. Now is the time to begin the work of reform, reconstruction and renewal," Mgr Pizzaballa explained. According to him, the Patriarchate will overcome this moment of difficulty thanks to the commitment shown by priests and bishops at the meeting.
However, the whole community is also called to participate. "I ask you all to pray during Lent that we may indeed work together, bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay men and women, youth and aged ones."
One of the proposals for the future is to open new diocesan offices to coordinate and unify pastoral outreach to the community.
Citing Saint Paul to the Corinthians, the apostolic administrator notes that "our human fragility" is necessary to make clear that this "extraordinary power" belongs to God and not to man. For this reason, the faithful can be confident that the treasure entrusted to them "will shine through even though we are earthen vessels."
Finally, the prelate sends a message of encouragement. "Brothers and sisters, united in prayer this Lent, we set our face to follow the Lord to Jerusalem. Yes, the way will be a hard one but let me share with you my confidence that if we persevere with Him, we will emerge in the light of His Resurrection!
“May the Lord bless you all in this Lenten journey!”