Cardinal Pizzaballa’s Call for Peace at FFHL Dallas Dinner
On September 7, 2024, the faithful and supporters of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL) gathered in Dallas for an annual fundraising dinner. His Eminence Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, addressed attendees, reflecting on the hardships facing Christians in the Holy Land and the essential work of FFHL. Cardinal Pizzaballa’s speech offered insight into the Church’s role in such a challenging context, highlighting the importance of faith and the need for unity and action.
A Christian Perspective on the Reality of the Conflict
Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the gravity of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, painting a somber picture of widespread devastation. In his words, “death, destruction, injury, violence, resentment and a desire for revenge” have become everyday realities. This challenging environment has fractured communities and eroded the painstaking progress made in interfaith dialogues. Yet, the Cardinal stressed that, despite these obstacles, the Church remains a bridge between communities, even as it faces its own hardships.
The Cardinal said peace is the cure for the deep wound caused by war and conflict. For Christians in the region, this wound runs deep, hurting both their hearts and spirits. The Cardinal stressed that the Church must continue to fight for justice, truth, and forgiveness. These are the only ways to stop the cycle of violence. Peace is the hope, the answer, and the healing they long for.
A Call to Serve and Heal
In his address, Cardinal Pizzaballa called for action beyond words. He shared how the Church, in partnership with the Custody of the Holy Land, extends tangible support to communities in need. For example, in Gaza, where 80 percent of homes are destroyed, Christian groups prepare meals for the entire community, providing vital nutrition despite limited resources. Moreover, efforts are underway to rebuild schools and provide medical care for families in Gaza and the West Bank, addressing urgent needs and encouraging hope during crisis.
Hope for a Better Future
Cardinal Pizzaballa shared the importance of education. FFHL’s scholarship programs, funded by generous supporters, encourage young Christians in the Holy Land to pursue professional careers. “Education is an investment in people that…lays the foundation for the future that we all need,” he emphasized. By educating the next generation, FFHL is equipping future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to society.
The Cardinal expressed deep gratitude to FFHL and its supporters, particularly noting the role of Texans who have remained committed to the Christian community in the Holy Land. He recognized Fr. Peter F. Vasko, Founding President of FFHL, for his “tireless” efforts to sustain the Christian presence in this historically significant yet turbulent region.
Honoring 30 Years of FFHL’s Mission
This year, FFHL marks its 30th anniversary. Cardinal Pizzaballa praised the Foundation’s longstanding mission, recognizing its commitment to supporting Christians in the Holy Land. Through initiatives that address immediate needs while building toward a sustainable future, FFHL offers a unique lifeline for communities caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts.
A Path to Peace
Reflecting on the way forward, Cardinal Pizzaballa acknowledged that the path to peace would be long and challenging, yet he urged the faithful to “never give up.” Anchored in the teachings of Jesus, the Church continues to serve as a source of love and compassion. This mission, he reminded the audience, is possible only with the support of FFHL’s friends and benefactors. Through their generosity, these supporters are helping to transform the Church’s values of forgiveness, justice, truth and peace into tangible support for communities in need.
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s message was clear: in a world filled with division, FFHL’s work is vital, helping maintain connection and stability for communities in the Holy Land. As he concluded, he left the audience with a heartfelt blessing, encouraging them to continue their mission of solidarity and service to a land that needs it deeply.
