By Fr. David Steffy, L.C., Chargé of the Holy See
February 6th, 2025 - Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,
Greetings from Jerusalem! We are united in our prayers and intentions for peace.
January has been a quiet month following a busier-than-expected December. This has given us the opportunity to complete several projects that we have been working on for some time. Our general manager, Yousef Barakat, has overseen the complete renovation of our lobby and the transformation of our first-floor Allegro Café into a Bistro bar and lounge, providing more spacious areas for our guests to gather and share their experiences. These improvements are yet another example of the commitment of Notre Dame’s management and staff to offering our pilgrims and the local community aesthetically beautiful spaces that foster a sense of peace and community.
We are also optimistic that there is a real chance for an end to the war. Everyone I speak with is looking forward to pressing the "reset" button in their lives and businesses, and to the opportunity to focus on rebuilding trust and confidence in each other and in our leaders.
We have been blessed by the continual encouragement and presence of our Patriarch, Cardinal Pizzaballa. He has been visiting and shepherding the flock throughout the Holy Land, as well as meeting with Church and government leaders to advocate for innocent victims on all sides and to encourage an end to violence. In recent weeks, he has been intentional in inviting pilgrims to visit the Holy Land now. Beyond the spiritual dimensions that pilgrims bring, their presence also provides stability to the local economy, which depends on them, especially in the Old City.
I do not expect large groups to return immediately, but I do hope that individuals, families, and smaller groups with more flexibility will begin to visit in the coming months. This is a rare opportunity to visit the Holy Sites without large crowds. The small groups that have visited recently have commented on how peaceful and prayerful the sites are and how safe and secure they feel.
For those of you who need a little extra encouragement to visit, I have great news. One of our most significant new projects, the Pentecost Room, will be inaugurated on June 8. The Chilean artist Daniel Cariola has spent over four years creating a masterpiece that brings the Pentecost experience of the first disciples to life. Rather than trying to describe how he has transformed our second-floor conference room into a breathtaking work of art—consisting of four oil paintings on canvas and a ceiling painting, I have included a few photos below that help complete the picture.
Our preparations for the inauguration of the room during this Jubilee Year will begin with a Novena of Pentecost, recited daily in the room with visiting pilgrims. We will also broadcast the Novena via social media platforms. The inauguration will begin on the eve of Pentecost, June 7, with a Pentecost prayer service and the blessing of the room. Since the room accommodates only 40 people, we will hold a simultaneous celebration in our chapel. On Pentecost itself, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the room in a unique and enhanced way.
For those of you who have previously visited the Holy Land, returning now and participating in the official opening of the Pentecost Room presents a truly special opportunity. In addition to the Novena and inaugural activities, we will not be organizing other special events, but we will be offering special room rates and greater access to the Pentecost Room and the inaugural events for those who stay here. If you are interested in learning more about the possibility to attend, please feel free to email me at: dsteffy@notredamecenter.org.
Thank you again for your support and prayers.
May the Holy Spirit inspire and renew each of your hearts during this Jubilee Year, reminding us that "Hope does not disappoint."
Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. David Steffy, LC
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