Ina historic visit to Cyprus, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, conducted his first visit to the Catholic Community in Cyprus following his election as cardinal. During his visit from Saturday, December 14th to Sunday, December 15th, Cardinal Pizzaballa shared in the pastoral life of the local Catholic community and celebrated Mass with the faithful of Cyprus.
The Cardinal was warmly welcomed by Msgr. Bruno Varriano, the Patriarchal Vicar of Cyprus, along with several other local priests. His visit marked a significant moment of spiritual fellowship for Cyprus Catholic population.
On Saturday, Cardinal Pizzaballa had the honor of inaugurating the first theology class organized by the St. Barnabas Christian Formation Center, a new initiative launched by the Vicariate of Cyprus, under the patronage of Cardinal Pizzaballa. The course is set to run for three years and is designed to offer foundational theological education to the laity, strengthening their faith and understanding of Catholic teachings. The classes are also available online via Zoom, allowing broader access to the theological formation.
The morning session held in Lefkosia saw 45 students from various towns, and ten students participated virtually.
In his address to the students, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his joy in witnessing the beginning of this Christian formation initiative, first of its kind in Cyprus. He emphasized the importance of theological training for the laity, stating, “Faith is built both on lived experience and theological understanding, it is crucial to receive solid theological teachings that help establish their faith on the unchanging Word of God, not merely on emotional sentiment.” He noted that the study of theology is not exclusive to clergy but is an essential part of the spiritual journey for all believers, guiding them in how to live and make better daily choices in line with their faith. The Cardinal’s words resonated deeply with the attendees, who expressed their appreciation and excitement to be receiving courses that deepen their faith and walk with God. “Seize the opportunity to live a life of faith more fully within your local church,” Cardinal Pizzaballa encouraged the participants.
Later in the evening, another session was held near the Holy Cross Church in Nicosia, attended by 34 students both in person and online. The first class focused on methods for reading the Bible, particularly through the lens of lectio divina, with a special study on the Book of Revelation, taught by Fr. Peter Olas, who has a Phd in Biblical Theology.
On Sunday, Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrated Mass with the faithful of Cyprus, joined by Msgr. Bruno Varriano, H.E. Msgr. Seim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, Very Reverend Msgr. Giorgi Chezza, Charge d’Affaires of the Pontifical Nunciature of Cyprus, H.E. Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar of Galilee, Fr. Theodorus Beta Herdistyan, Parish Priest of Nicosia, as well as several priests and religious sisters from various cities across Cyprus, and country Ambassadors.
Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his joy to be with the faithful from Famagusta, Kyrenia, Lefka, and Lefkosia, affirming that they are an essential part of the Diocese of Jerusalem. He remarked, “The Diocese of Jerusalem is very big, but what unites us is Christ. While there are many divisions in the world, we remain united through our faith in Christ; everyone remains uniquely themselves, but we are one Church.” The Cardinal also stressed the importance of the Catholic presence in Cyprus, expressing his deep desire to see more connections across all parts of the Diocese of Jerusalem.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Pizzaballa meditated on the figure of John the Baptist, who challenges us with the question, “What should we do?” He explained that John’s answer emphasizes not seeking something extraordinary, but rather living the gospel in our everyday lives, thereby creating space for Lord to transform us with the fire of His love.
After the Mass, the different choirs performed Christmas carols, celebrating their joy at having His Beatitude the Cardinal with them during Advent, while singing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”