Embrace ‘deep spiritual bonds’ between Jews and Catholics, says bishop in Yom Kippur message

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, urged Catholics to reject antisemitism and recognize the spiritual connections between Jews and Catholics in a video message for Yom Kippur. The message, posted to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops YouTube channel on Sept. 18, coincided with the Jewish Day of Atonement observed from sunset on Sept. 20 to nightfall on Sept. 21.

Bishop Bambera, who chairs the USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, said the themes of repentance and reconciliation central to Yom Kippur also resonate with Catholics. He noted that the observance invites people to examine the past year and commit to the year ahead by reflecting on how to live more faithfully and generously. He stated that both Jewish and Catholic faithful seek to restore their connections to God and to one another.