(March 02, 2012) An Indian ecumenical delegation, on a tour of Israel and the Holy
Land at the invitation of the Israeli government to boost pilgrim tourism between
the two countries, ended their trip on Thursday. Israel’s ministry of tourism had
invited the delegation in a bid to build good relations between Israel and the Christian
community in India. The delegation was led by Cardinal Oswald Gracias and included
among others, Cardinal George Alencherry Major Archbishop of Angamaly-Ernakulam, Archbishop
Felipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman and Archbishop Susai Pakkiam of Thiruvananthapuram.
The delegation reached Israel on February 26. “The Cardinals thanked the government
officials for giving them the opportunity to visit the religious sites of Jews, Muslims
and Christians spanning over 3000 years,” said Father Anthony Charanghat, the spokesperson
of Bombay Archdiocese in Mumbai of which Cardinal Gracias is archbishop. Among the
sites that the delegation visited were the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, the Upper
Room, the Dormition Church and the Wailing Wall. Fr. Charanghat said the Catholic
Church leaders also met the Custodian of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbatista Pizzaballa,
at his office in Jerusalem. The Italian Capuchin priest explained how the Custody
of the Holy Land and Israeli ministry of tourism can help Indian pilgrims make better
spiritual and fruitful pilgrimages.