Lenten Drive for Eastern Churches Launched

(13 Feb 08 - RV) The Vatican’s Congregation for Oriental Churches has launched a Lenten appeal ahead of the Good Friday Collection for Christian communities in the Holy Land.

The Letter penned by Congregation Prefect Cardinal Leonardo Sandri begins recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal to the Universal Church for spiritual and material solidarity for the faithful in the Holy Land.

The Cardinal notes that “the absence of peace exacerbates the many long-standing problems as well as the poverty afflicting the region of the Holy Places”. He also underscores other serious and urgent challenges which must be addressed such as unemployment, immigration and the subsequent draining of vital human resources from Christian communities.

Cardinal Sandri emphasises the need to preserve those ‘living communities’ in which the Mystery of Christ, is cherished and celebrated, describing them as the “silent witnesses to the Savior’s life upon earth” which embody the “living charism of Christianity’s origins””.

The Cardinal Prefect concludes by pointing out that the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land has a special relevance, because “it attests to our common heritage”. Thus he asks that every local Church participate in the effort to further our commitment to charity, underlining that “always, the goal is to assist with the everyday requirements of Christian life”.