Gathering on Good Friday is the main origin of Franciscan income in the Holy Land. These funds finance schools, parishes, social projects and ad hoc assistance. But it is besides about more than just material help: – It's not just about rebuilding buildings, it's about rebuilding relationships, trust and hope. And it happens primarily through education, youth, families, through places where the culture of gathering and peace can flourish – says Fr. Francesco Ielpo, Franciscan curator of the Holy Land.
Pope Paul VI made a contribution to the Holy Land for the full Church in 1974 to strengthen the bond of Christians around the planet with the Holy Land. It belongs to the authoritative collections of the Catholic Church and is simply a basic origin of financing of life and activity in holy places. Gifts collected in parishes and by bishops go, through Franciscan Commissioners of the Holy Land, to the Custody of the Holy Land led by the insignificant Brothers. This appropriation is intended to cover the preservation and protection of holy places and to aid local Christian communities, frequently referred to as ‘living stones’ of the region.
In his message, published in Jerusalem on 18 February, Fr Ielpo described the grim situation throughout the region. – We cannot hide that the times we live in are difficult said the curator. The war, violence, and insecurity “treptured” Gaza Strip, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and Syria.
In addition to military violence, the crisis exacerbates the deficiency of pilgrims. – Many Christian families, which were dependent on pilgrimage tourism, barely make ends meet – pointed out Father Ielpo. This leads to a dangerous feeling of deficiency of hope. – Young people are increasingly having difficulty imagining the future here in their country. Hope seems hurt, in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem, in northern Israel, as well as in Lebanon and Syria. “The monk added.
The curator joined the urgent call of Pope Leon XIV for prayer and fasting in the intention of peace. He asked the universal Church not to forget the Holy Land on Good Friday. – Remember us in your prayers and support us with your generosity. Your presence is simply a valuable sign of brotherhood and hope – the curator appealed.
The collection of donations to the Holy Land traditionally takes place in all Catholic churches around the planet on Good Friday and is passed straight to the Kustody in Jerusalem to keep holy places and support the Christian number there. This year, April 3.
Source: KAI
