By Souhail Lawand
ACI MENA, Jan 29, 2025 / 12:15 pm
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, recently led the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Paul’s Shrine in Tabbaleh, Damascus. The service marked the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
Among the attendees were Patriarch Youssef Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, apostolic nuncio to Syria Cardinal Mario Zenari, and other religious figures. The event was well-attended by clergy and believers.
In an interview with ACI MENA, Gugerotti shared that his visit to Syria is purely ecclesiastical in nature, focusing on understanding the challenges faced by Christians in the region.
Reflecting on his experience in Damascus, Gugerotti noted the vibrancy of life in the city, evident in its bustling markets and lively streets. He emphasized the resilience and desire for life among the people.
During his visit, Gugerotti highlighted that his interactions are with Christian communities and clergy, with no scheduled meetings with government officials. The Dicastery for the Eastern Churches remains committed to its ecclesiastical mission.
Step into the radiant city of Damascus, where history and faith intertwine to create a powerful narrative of resilience and hope for Syria’s Christians. The Vatican envoy recently delivered a heartfelt message from Pope Francis, expressing love and solidarity for the community amidst their burdens. The message resonated with the significance of Damascus in Christianity, a city that witnessed the transformation of Saul into Paul, embracing the beauty and mystery of Christ.
In his homily, the envoy highlighted the unwavering strength of the Church, drawing inspiration from the story of St. Paul and his role as the apostle to the nations. The message was clear: no persecution or oppression can shake the foundation of faith, for God’s mercy prevails in the face of adversity. The cardinal’s words echoed with a call to faith and prayer, uniting the assembly in a plea for God’s protection over Syria.
The visit concluded with a visit to the historic St. Paul’s Grotto, a sacred site believed to be where Paul received visions. The attendees joined in prayer for Christian unity, a powerful gesture of solidarity and hope for the future. This historic visit, the first since the regime change, symbolizes a renewed commitment to faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
