On May 27, The Lay Centre will open its doors to friends and guests in Rome for a special event aimed at promoting and inspiring hope in today’s challenging times. As part of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope for Catholics, we are honored to welcome three distinguished speakers from the Holy Land. Together we will embark on “A Journey of Hope.”
In a gesture of unity, members of the three Abrahamic religions will gather in the heart of Rome for a dialogue on hope. Each will offer a reflection on the theme, drawing from their rich and diverse cultural, religious, and intellectual backgrounds.
- REGISTER NOW to attend this special event
- The event will be streamed live on The Lay Centre’s official YouTube page
We are further encouraged by the first words of Pope Leo XIV at the start of his pontificate. During his inaugural meeting with the international diplomatic corps at the Vatican on May 16, Pope Leo XIV emphasized three guiding principles to shape our relationships: peace, justice, and truth.
Pope Leo said: “It is a time of conversion and renewal and, above all, an opportunity to leave conflicts behind and embark on a new path, confident that, by working together, each of us in accordance with his or her own sensibilities and responsibilities, can build a world in which everyone can lead an authentically human life in truth, justice and peace. It is my hope that this will be the case everywhere, starting with those places that suffer most grievously, like Ukraine and the Holy Land.”
Our speakers
Sarah Bernstein: Beyond Despair: Hope as an Act of Resistance
Born in the UK, with a background in law and mediation, Dr. Sarah Bernstein is the Executive Director of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, based in Jerusalem. Sarah has worked in the field of peace-building and shared society for over 25 years, specializing in interreligious dialogue. She was awarded her PhD in Peace and Reconciliation Studies by Coventry University in England.
David M. Neuhaus, SJ: Hope – Waking up
David Mark Neuhaus SJ is a Jesuit living in the Holy Land. He teaches Scripture in both Israel and Palestine (Latin Patriarchate Seminary, Bethlehem University, the Salesian Theological Institute). He completed a BA, MA and PhD (Political Science) at Hebrew University, Jerusalem and pontifical degrees in theology and Scripture in Paris (Centre Sevres) and Rome (Pontifical Biblical Institute). He is the author of numerous books and articles. He is emeritus Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew Speaking Catholics, Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Israel. At present, he also is a fellow at the Jesuit Institute of South Africa.
Safa Younes: The Path to Growth from Distress and Crisis
Safa Younes is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and advocate for women’s rights, with extensive experience in initiating and leading community-driven initiatives in Jaffa. Holding Master degrees in Social Work and Business Administration, Safa has made significant contributions to both the public and non-profit sectors. Last year, after completing a Master’s degree in Emergency & Disaster Management, she worked with Caritas Czech Republic as a Program Advisor and MHPSS expert at a Caritas medical center in Gaza. Following a personal journey of loss, Safa now specializes in bereavement counseling, offering support to individuals and families navigating grief and trauma.
The Program
4:30 pm
Welcome – Filipe Domingues
4:40 pm
Beyond Despair: Hope as an Act of Resistance – Sarah Bernstein
5:00 pm
Hope – Waking up – David M. Neuhaus, SJ
5:20 pm
The Path to Growth from Distress and Crisis – Safa Younes
6:20 pm
Refreshments in the garden
