Cardinal Pizzaballa in Historic Visit to Detroit Raises Awareness of Gaza's Suffering Christians


🙏 Cardinal Pizzaballa Thanks Detroit for 'Spiritual Closeness' to the Holy Land
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, concluded his four-day pastoral visit to the Archdiocese of Detroit on Dec. 7, 2025, by celebrating a special Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak. Cardinal Pizzaballa, was the featured guest Dec. 5 during a fundraising dinner hosted by the Archdiocese of Detroit in support of Christians in the Holy Land at St. John's Resort in Plymouth. Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle raised more than $500,000 to support the work and ministry of the Church led by Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, over two days, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger announced. The fundraising event at St. John's Resort, "United in Faith: Bridging Hearts from the Motor City to the Holy Land," included a fireside chat between Archbishop Weisenburger and Cardinal Pizzaballa. Addressing local media, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, and how the international community in places like Detroit can stand with those who are greatly suffering.
VIDEO of Gaza's Catholic Church from Dec. 6 with loud bombs shaking the parish posted by Vatican Media (PT) on X:

🤝 Key Highlights of the Visit

  • Gratitude for Empathy: Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed deep thanks for the "spiritual closeness," empathy, and generosity shown by Metro Detroit Catholics toward Christians and all people in the Holy Land.

  • Fundraising Success: The visit was a significant success in raising material support, as local Catholics raised more than $500,000 for relief efforts led by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. These funds will aid those who have lost homes and security due to conflict.

  • Focus on Peace and Faith: Celebrating Mass on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Cardinal preached on the Christian call to "purify our gaze" and reject hatred, revenge, and distrust, even amidst violence. He stressed that the Christian community in the Holy Land refuses to yield to hate, trusting in God's presence for rebuilding.

  • Unity and Support: The Mass emphasized building spiritual bonds between the U.S. Church and the suffering communities in the Middle East. Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger thanked the Cardinal for his presence, calling Detroit "always your home in the United States."

✝️ Importance of Supporting Christians in the Holy Land

  • The Cardinal's presence served as a reminder to connect the faithful of Southeast Michigan with the "mother church of all of Christianity," where Jesus lived, died, and rose.

  • The Christian population in the Holy Land has dipped to below 1 percent of the overall population, making support crucial to ensure the community endures, according to Fr. William Turner of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

  • The visit drew attendance from members of the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Order of Malta, both dedicated to supporting the Church in the Holy Land. The Order of Malta, for example, supports the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, serving all creeds, and runs a mobile ministry with ambulances.

  • Fr. Fares Hattar, a native Jordanian priest of the Latin Patriarchate serving in Ann Arbor, noted the visit was "very touching and very important" for Arab Catholic families in Michigan, many of whom have family back home. He emphasized the Christian mission to "talk about peace and pray for peace."

  • Nelly Ghattas, a Jerusalem native and local parishioner, felt the visit provided much-needed "hope and unity" for the Christian minority in the Holy Land. “We need peace,” Ghattas said. “We need a lasting pace. Our country needs peace — a real peace. The world needs to know that we need peace.”

  • Source: Detroitcatholic.com - Image by Steven Stechschulte | Detroit Catholic

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