Celebrations with a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass Presided Over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
150 Years of Faith, Education, and Service: A Continuing Mission of Steadfastness and Hope in the Heart of Jerusalem
In an atmosphere of profound faith, joy, gratitude, and hope, Collège des Frères in Jerusalem solemnly concluded its Jubilee Year, marking the 150th anniversary of its foundation and the presence of the De La Salle Brothers in the Holy City (1876–2026).
The celebrations culminated in a solemn Thanksgiving Mass presided over by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, bringing to a close a remarkable year of educational, cultural, and spiritual activities dedicated to honoring the school’s rich history and its enduring commitment to education, human dignity, and Christian values.
The celebration was attended by Bishop William Shomali, Bishop Maraktso, Father David, Father Rami Assakra, and numerous priests representing different religious congregations. Among the distinguished guests were the Consul General of France in Jerusalem, religious sisters, former students, teachers, members of the school community, friends, and supporters who gathered to celebrate the remarkable journey of an educational institution deeply rooted in the history and life of Jerusalem.
Cardinal Pizzaballa: Education Remains Our Most Essential Mission
In a deeply inspiring homily, His Beatitude reflected on the extraordinary historical journey of Collège des Frères since its establishment in 1876 under Ottoman rule.
He recalled how the school had witnessed the First World War, the British Mandate, the Second World War, the period of Jordanian administration, and the many political and social transformations that followed.
Despite wars, conflicts, and changing political circumstances, the school has remained steadfast in its mission, continuing to serve generations of students without abandoning its fundamental purpose: education and the formation of the human person.
His Beatitude emphasized that education is much more than the transmission of knowledge. It is a profound human and spiritual responsibility that shapes consciences, nurtures values, and prepares future generations to contribute positively to society.
He stressed that what our Holy Land needs today, perhaps more than ever before, is an education rooted in respect for others, acceptance of differences, mutual understanding, and the building of a genuine culture of peace.
At a time when the region is experiencing profound suffering, uncertainty, and division, the Patriarch underlined the essential role of Christian educational institutions in forming young people capable of overcoming hatred, promoting fraternity, and contributing to a more just and peaceful future.
Our Lady, Queen of Palestine: A Visitation That Brings Hope and Strength
Reflectng on the feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, Cardinal Pizzaballa drew particular attention to the Gospel account of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.
He highlighted the profound spiritual meaning of this encounter, which embodies love, service, joy, and the presence of God among His people.
His Beatitude observed that our Holy Land, wounded by conflict and burdened by uncertainty, is today in urgent need of a new spiritual visitation—a visitation that renews faith, strengthens courage, and inspires hope.
Just as Mary carried Christ to Elizabeth, Christians are called to carry His presence into the world, bringing consolation to those who suffer, encouragement to those who are afraid, and hope to those who risk losing it.
The Patriarch invited the faithful to seek strength through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, so that they may continue their journey with renewed faith and perseverance.
At the conclusion of his homily, His Beatitude warmly congratulated the De La Salle Brothers and the entire educational community of Collège des Frères on this historic anniversary. He expressed his deep appreciation for their enduring educational mission and wished the Brothers many more jubilees of faithful service to future generations.
Brother Daoud Kassabry: We Shall Never Lose Hope, and We Shall Remain Rooted in Our Land
In a heartfelt address, Brother Daoud Kassabry, Director of Collège des Frères in Jerusalem, expressed his profound gratitude to His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa for his paternal presence and for sharing in the joy of concluding the Jubilee Year.
He recalled that the school had enjoyed the privilege of beginning its Jubilee Year in the presence of His Beatitude and was now blessed to conclude this historic celebration with him once again.
Brother Daoud expressed the school’s deep affection, respect, and admiration for the Patriarch, acknowledging his courageous witness to the Christian faith, his tireless pastoral service, and his closeness to his people, particularly during times of suffering and uncertainty.
He emphasized that although Cardinal Pizzaballa has received numerous honors and distinctions, his greatest distinction remains his living witness to Christ, his commitment to the Church, and his compassionate presence among the people of the Holy Land.
Addressing His Beatitude directly, Brother Daoud affirmed:
« Thank you, Your Beatitude, for being here with us and for standing beside us. Your presence strengthens our hope and gives us the courage to face the future without fear. Through your priestly and episcopal ministry, you bear witness to Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and victorious over death. In Him, our hope shall never be defeated. »
Brother Daoud also reflected on the difficult circumstances currently facing Christian communities in the region, marked by suffering, insecurity, and growing concerns about the future.
He stressed that the 150th Jubilee is not merely a commemoration of the past, but above all a renewal of the commitment to remain faithful to the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
He recalled that the Brothers who established the school a century and a half ago also endured wars, persecution, and tremendous difficulties, yet they remained faithful to their vocation and continued their mission of education and service.
« Today, we renew that same commitment: to remain rooted in our land, faithful to our Christian identity, and unwavering in our hope, despite every challenge. »
Brother Daoud further emphasized that the Lasallian mission of Collège des Frères extends far beyond academic achievement. Its essential purpose is to educate young people in the values of respect, acceptance of religious and cultural diversity, human fraternity, justice, and peace.
He underlined that these values are particularly important in Jerusalem, where education must continue to serve as a bridge between communities and as an instrument of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Invoking the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, he entrusted to her the suffering, fears, and hopes of the people of the Holy Land, praying for a future marked by dignity, security, justice, and lasting peace.
At the conclusion of his address, Brother Daoud extended his sincere gratitude to His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa, the bishops, the Consul General of France, the clergy, religious congregations, and all those present.
The Conclusion of a Jubilee Year: The Beginning of a Renewed Mission
The solemn Thanksgiving Mass was far more than the closing event of a year of celebrations. It was a profound expression of gratitude for the countless Brothers, educators, students, and families who, over the past 150 years, have contributed to shaping the identity and mission of Collège des Frères in Jerusalem.
It was also a moment of renewed commitment to the future.
Founded in 1876, the school has remained a living witness to the transformative power of education, enduring wars, political changes, and social challenges while continuing to welcome generations of students from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Throughout its history, Collège des Frères has served not only as a place of academic learning but also as a meeting place where Christian and Muslim students grow together, develop mutual respect, and discover the values of fraternity, solidarity, and shared belonging to their homeland.
The Jubilee Year has come to an end, but the Lasallian mission continues.
The true legacy of these 150 years cannot be measured simply by the passage of time. It lives in the generations of students who have passed through the school’s classrooms, in the values planted in their hearts, and in the lasting contribution of the institution to the life of Jerusalem and its people.
As Collège des Frères enters a new chapter of its history, it renews its determination to remain a place of faith, hope, education, and peace, faithful to the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and to the Christian educational mission entrusted to the Brothers.
One hundred and fifty years have passed, yet hope remains stronger than hardship, faith greater than fear, and education one of the most powerful paths toward building a better and more peaceful world.
From Jerusalem, the city of faith and hope, the Lasallian mission continues—faithful to its roots, steadfast in its presence, and open to the future, carrying forward a message of love, fraternity, and peace.
