Holy Land collection supports Christians, peace, says Vatican official

(March 22, 2011) Helping Christians in the Holy Land with concrete material and spiritual support is a fundamental part of bringing peace to the region, said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches. Unfortunately, there is a sorrowful tendency of Christian emigration, which impoverishes the entire area, draining it of the most vital forces constituted by the young generations," the Cardinal said in a written appeal to bishops around the world.
The letter, released to journalists on Monday is sent every year to bishops to encourage parishes in their dioceses to support the Holy Land collection. This collection is traditionally taken during Good Friday services. Cardinal Sandri, who coordinates the Holy Land collection, said there has been an increasing number of pilgrims to the Holy Land, thanks in part to Pope Benedict XVI's visit there in 2009 and the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in 2010. However, despite the few positive signs in the region, escalating violence continues against Christians, who are suffering because of instability in the region, said the letter . It added that said Pope Benedict is urging the universal church to encourage and support Christians in the Holy Land.