Jerusalem – Nabd ElHayat – The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, in an official statement, announced an exceptional initiative on the occasion of the approaching conclusion of the Jubilee Year. The initiative provides for the Patriarchate to forgive all outstanding school debts owed by eligible families for previous years, with the 2024-2025 school year remaining subject to the established regulations.
The decision, reached after extensive consultations with the Patriarchal Vicars and school directors, represents a concrete expression of the Jubilee’s spirit, under the theme “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). The Patriarchate emphasized that the step aims to ease the burden on families affected by difficult economic conditions, while promoting justice and solidarity in a time marked by escalating war and violence.
The Patriarchate affirmed that the initiative reflects both its pastoral and educational mission, demonstrating a spiritual and social responsibility toward Christian families in the Holy Land. The decision goes beyond financial relief, embodying the Church’s commitment to its educational mission and its role in human development and the preservation of Christian identity in the region. Despite significant financial challenges, the Patriarchate stressed that the initiative is rooted in trust in divine providence and a steadfast conviction that the Church is always called to embody mercy, solidarity, and justice, especially in times of crises that weigh heavily on families and institutions.
The Patriarchate noted that the decision was not taken lightly due to the considerable financial cost, yet it stems from a spiritual vision that sees the Jubilee as a time for conversion, renewal, and restoration of relationships with God and others. The initiative also echoes the biblical spirit of the Jubilee, historically associated with concrete actions such as debt relief and restoration of rights.
At the same time, the Patriarchate underscored that the measure does not exempt families or institutions from their future responsibilities. Rather, it is an invitation to strengthen the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility in the Church’s educational mission. The Patriarchate called on school directors to implement the decision immediately and notify the affected families, emphasizing that the initiative is not only a sign of grace, but also a practical step to revive hope and renew confidence in the future.
A Service Rooted in the Life of the Church
Beyond this latest initiative, the Latin Patriarchate continues its comprehensive mission on multiple levels. In education, it manages a wide network of schools and universities, providing scholarships and tuition relief to support disadvantaged families. In healthcare, it supports hospitals and medical centers in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, facilitating access to essential care. In the cultural and pastoral sphere, it seeks to strengthen Christian identity and instill spiritual values in society. In the humanitarian and relief sector, the Patriarchate and its institutions, including the “AFAQ” Foundation, play a central role in assisting families affected by crises, creating employment opportunities, and providing direct support in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly for vulnerable families and students in schools and universities.