Marinella Bandini

Marinella Bandini

Born and raised in Italy, Marinella Bandini has been a professional journalist since 2008. She works for several news agencies and online newspapers in the Catholic space. Currently based in Jerusalem, she collaborates with the Custody of the Holy Land.

Articles by Marinella Bandini

New pilgrimage brings Christians, Muslims, and Jews together in Holy Land at Abraham House

Sep 19, 2024 / 07:00 am

On Sept. 14 in Jerusalem, a new pilgrimage called “Pilgrims of Hope Way” was inaugurated at the 60th anniversary celebration of Abraham House.

Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant Church reopens in the Holy Land, new altar dedicated

Sep 12, 2024 / 07:00 am

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, recently came to the basilica to dedicate its new altar on the occasion of the church’s reopening. 

Staying in Bethlehem: Christian couple opts to marry and put down roots despite hardships

Sep 7, 2024 / 06:00 am

Two young Christians from Bethlehem have decided to marry and settle down in their hometown despite the ongoing war and escalation of violence around them.

Under patronage of St. Joseph, parish priest restarts schooling for students in Gaza

Jul 20, 2024 / 10:00 am

The program had to be suspended for two weeks in July due to Israeli military action in Gaza City but resumed on July 19. 

Faith amid bombs: Priests minister to Christians in border towns of Lebanon and Israel

Jul 16, 2024 / 05:47 am

Christian communities on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border have been put to the test since Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Different paths to same vocation: Twin brothers ordained priests in Aleppo, Syria

Jul 10, 2024 / 07:00 am

It marked the first priestly ordination in 17 years at St. Francis Church in Aleppo, a city that suffered massive destruction during the 2012–2016 Syrian War.

Father of Israeli hostage who met with pope is on a mission to ‘bring them all home’

Jul 4, 2024 / 07:00 am

Danny Miran met Pope Francis at the Vatican in April. In mid-June he shared his testimony with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and a group of 160 Catholic pilgrims.

Jerusalem’s Magnificat Institute: ‘Every day we witness a small but significant miracle’ 

Jun 26, 2024 / 06:00 am

The Magnificat Institute brings Jews, Christians, and Muslims together to make music — not an easy feat as the longest war since the founding of Israel rages on.

Three young adult pilgrims walk from Paris to Jerusalem ‘to deepen our faith’

Jun 18, 2024 / 06:00 am

“Every day of this pilgrimage was a miracle,” said Louis Antona, 24, of the journey he made with two young women from France to the Holy Land.

Interreligous group releases report highlighting harassment of Christians in Holy Land

Jun 11, 2024 / 07:00 am

According to the report, there were 90 known attacks in 2023, a notable increase in cases of spitting, physical, and verbal harassment.

Where are all the pilgrims? The current state of religious tourism in the Holy Land

Jun 4, 2024 / 07:00 am

During the month of May in Jerusalem, the major holidays of the three major religions passed with an almost total absence of pilgrims from abroad.

Joy in Syria: Pope Francis gives ‘green light’ for canonization of ‘Martyrs of Damascus’ 

May 23, 2024 / 17:11 pm

The Vatican has announced that eight Franciscan friars and three laymen who were killed for their faith in Syria will be canonized.

Archaeological discovery sheds light on Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land 1,500 years ago

May 23, 2024 / 10:31 am

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a Byzantine-period church in the northern Negev desert with wall art displaying ships.

Cardinal Pizzaballa meets with journalists to discuss visit to Catholic parish in Gaza 

May 20, 2024 / 17:04 pm

After returning from the Catholic parish in northern Gaza, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch, spoke to the press about his visit.

PHOTOS: Catholics gather at site of Jesus’ ascension in Jerusalem

May 9, 2024 / 18:45 pm

“I’m excited to have come to pray in the actual place of the Ascension... I want to be closer to God and Jesus,” 14 year-old Joelle Sammour told CNA.

‘Holy Fire’ ceremony at Jesus’ tomb marks beginning of Orthodox Easter celebrations

May 5, 2024 / 09:00 am

Though its authenticity is disputed, the “Holy Fire” refers to a flame of purported divine origin that ignites inside Jesus’ tomb.

First Arab Christian woman to lead Israel’s University of Haifa

May 4, 2024 / 07:00 am

The announcement of Professor Mouna Maroun’s appointment was made amid tensions with Iran and as anti-Israel protests were mounting around the world.

Orthodox rabbis in Jerusalem call on Jews to stand against spitting at Christians

May 1, 2024 / 13:05 pm

Several posters and pamphlets appeared in the streets of the Old City calling on the public to avoid harassment toward Christians and non-Jews.

Franciscans file petition to stop cable cars from passing over Holy Land Catholic cemetery

Apr 27, 2024 / 07:00 am

The Jerusalem Development Authority is exploring the opportunity to use the piece of land in the cemetery to place a cable car support pylon.

Catholics in Gaza are burying dead in Muslim cemeteries

Apr 16, 2024 / 06:00 am

Muslim cemeteries have opened to receive the bodies of Christians and give them a dignified burial.