Vatican : For the Holy Land this Lent
Below the text of the letter from Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation
for Eastern Churches on the occasion of the collect pro Terra Sancta: The annual Lenten journey towards the Pasch of the Lord offers a propitious occasion to sensitize the Catholic Church around the world with regard to the Holy Land by promoting relevant initiatives of prayer and fraternal charity.
Therefore, I am sending this cordial invitation to all ecclesial communities, asking them to place themselves at the side of the Christians of Jerusalem, Israel and Palestine, as well as the countries near to them - Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Egypt - which together make up that blessed Land. The Son of God made man, after having crossed this land announcing the Kingdom and confirming the word with mighty works, wonders and signs (cf. Acts 2:22), went up to the Holy City to immolate Himself: he suffered, died on the Cross, rose from the dead, and gave his Spirit to us. From that time, every Christian finds himself at home in that City and in that Land. This is possible thanks to the pastors in this place, who, by the will of the Lord Jesus, continue in our day also to gather our brothers and sisters in the faith to celebrate the love of Him who "makes all things new" (Ap. 21:5).
The Congregation for Eastern Churches hereby reminds the bishops of the entire world of the unceasing request of Pope Benedict XVI that the mission of the Church in the Holy Places be generously supported. Although specifically pastoral, this mission at the same time offers a praiseworthy social service to all without exception. In this way, fraternity, which can overcome division and discrimination, increases and gives renewed impetus to ecumenical dialogue and interreligious collaboration. This constitutes an admirable work of peace and reconciliation, which is all the more necessary today, as we share the Holy Father's preoccupation "for the people of those countries where hostilities and acts of violence continue, particularly Syria and the Holy Land" (Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, January 9, 2012). Soon after, His Holiness again interceded fervently for Syria, renewing "the pressing appeal to put an end to the violence... for the common good of the whole of society and the Region" (Angelus, Sunday, February 12, 2012).
The day, which the Supreme Pontiffs have designated for the Collection for the Holy Land, is the Friday preceding Easter, even if each community is free to choose another opportune moment.
This year, Good Friday seems more fitting than ever as a sign of the needs of both pastors and faithful, which are bound up with the sufferings of the entire Middle East. For the disciples of Christ, hostility is often the daily bread which nourishes the faith and sometimes makes the echo of martyrdom. Christian emigration is exacerbated by the lack of peace, which tends to impoverish hope, changing it into the fear of facing alone a future that seems to exist only in the abandonment of one's own country.
Nonetheless, as was the case for the Gospel's grain of wheat (cf. Jn 12:24), so the trials of Christians in the Holy Land prepare without doubt a brighter tomorrow. The dawning of this new day, however, requires support now for schools, medical assistance, critical housing, meeting places, and everything else that the generosity of the Church has devised. What great faith we discover in young people, who, in witness to the Beatitudes and their love of country, have committed themselves to work for justice and peace through non-violent, evangelical means. What a justly proud and firm faith is communicated by those who offer words of reconciliation and forgiveness, knowing that this is the only true response to violence and even to the abuse of power.
We have the duty to restore the spiritual patrimony which we have received from these Christians' two millennia of fidelity to the truth of the faith. We can and must do this by our prayer, by concrete assistance, and by pilgrimages. The Year of Faith, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, will provide particular motivation for us to direct our steps towards that Land, journeying first in our hearts through the mysteries of the life of Christ in company with the Holy Mother of the Lord. Next Good Friday, around the Cross of Christ, let us be conscious of being together with these brothers and sisters of ours. May the loneliness that is at times strongly felt in their situation be overcome by our fraternity! May they be able to proclaim in serenity of both body and spirit that "Jesus is Lord" (Acts 11:20)! Thus, "the door of faith" (cf. Acts 14:27) will continue to be thrown open wide from that very Land, so as to win the pardon and mercy of God for the entire human family.
Our Congregation is pleased to make itself a voice for Pope Benedict XVI, expressing his profound gratitude to bishops, priests, religious men and women, to young people and to all who have given of themselves for the benefit of the Land of Jesus. Likewise, we willingly transmit the abundant thankfulness of the Patriarchal Diocese of Jerusalem, of the Franciscan Custody, and of the local Oriental Catholic Churches.
CUSTODY OF THE HOLY LAND
Order of Friars Minor
Report Summary 2010/2011The Custody of the Holy Land tirelessly continues its mission, begun several centuries ago, to conserve and protect the holy places in the Land of Jesus. This includes celebrating the liturgy, assisting Pilgrims, and carrying out multiple apostolic works, especially for the benefit of the Christian communities. In the year 2010/2011, particular attention has been paid to the planning and execution of projects in the following areas:HOLY PLACESI) PILGRIMS
1. Bethlehem
Parish Church of St. Catherine
Completion of work on the lighting system inside the Church of St. Catherine.
2. Jerusalem
Convent of St. Saviour
Renovation of the "Studio Teologico" and restoration of the Convent of St. Saviour.
Work started on the Custodial Library.
Magnificat – School of Music: renovation of bathrooms and entrance stairway.
Renovation of bathrooms in the Sisters’ Convent.
Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit
Completion of restructuring at the Convent of Dominus Flevit, including the sanctuary, gardens and areas reserved for the reception of pilgrims.
Gethsemane
Initial procurement needed for reconstruction of the exterior stone wall, supplies for and installation of steel fence, as required by the Environmental Authorities of Israel.
Beginning restoration and maintenance of the roof of the Basilica of Gethsemane, in order to prevent water seepage.
Sanctuary of the Flagellation
Studium Biblicum Francescanum
Concluding restoration of the "Hall of Crusaders" at the Convent of the Flagellation.
Completing the Library expansion of the Studium Biblicum Francescanum. The project includes the installation of an elevator for greater accessibility to the premises, as well as renovation of mobile and fixed shelving.
Designing the third phase of library expansion, regarding the upper level, which will be divided into two sections.
Convent at Bethpage
Restructuring the Convento delle Palme at Bethpage, with particular regard to the outer area where pilgrims are welcomed, especially for the Palm Sunday procession.
Designing the restoration of the Church at Bethpage and its environs.
3. Magdala
Church of Mary Magdalene
Continuation of work to preserve the archaeological area of Magdala, where important remains have been found. It was necessary to remove the mosaic floors, which must be adequately preserved from the elements. The establishment of a guided tour inside the site, to give pilgrims a deeper understanding of the city’s daily life at the time of Jesus, is underway.
4. Jaffa
Church of St. Anthony
Final phase of restoration of the convent and environs at the Latin Parish.
5. Mount Tabor
Sanctuary of the Transfiguration
Completion of the renovation of the electrical system in the Basilica and preparation for restoration of the entire complex, in coordination with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the National Parks Authority.
6. Nain Sanctuary of Nain
Construction project at the Sanctuary, which commemorates the miracle of the resurrection of the widow’s son.
Completion of house demolitions near the Church, in order to begin construction of a new convent and to allow for the Church restoration project.
7. Tabgha
Sanctuary of the Primacy of Peter
Renovation and completion of new bathroom facilities and other necessary restoration work at the Shrine of the Primacy of Peter.
8. Monte Nebo (Jordan)
Memorial Shrine of Moses
Second stage of reconstruction work and conservation of the mosaics at the memorial shrine of the Prophet Moses.
Continuation of work on the project "New covering for the Memorial of Moses".
II) LOCAL COMMNITY
1. Works for the benefit of youth
Scholarships. Financing of 420 university scholarships over a period of 4 years, distributed to different universities: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Haifa, Bir Zeit, Amman and others.
Handcraft Enterprises. Support for 10 small craft businesses including the acquisition of spare parts and production equipment, along with safety measure compliance.
2. Activities for familiesBethlehem
Continuation of support for the Parish Family Counselling Centre, which provides assistance for families with critical needs.
Franciscan Boys’ Home. Continuation of the project for more than 20 boys between the ages of 6 and 12, who come from poor families in difficulty. The boys receive hospitality, assistance with studies, and the services of an educator, a social worker and a psychologist.
Medical assistance. Continuation of the project providing medical assistance to families facing serious economic difficulties, including partial or complete coverage of medical expenses.
Housing. Restoration of houses belonging to families in need. Local people without jobs carry out the restoration. In addition to helping families, the project provides temporary work on a regular basis.
3. Parish communitiesJerusalem
Completion of the rebuilding and restructuring of the Church of St. Jacob in Beit Hanina, its convent and related services.
Begin procurement for the construction of new sports areas at the parish centre in Beit Hanina, including a soccer field, two basketball courts and an indoor dining room with related services.
Restoration and maintenance of the infrastructure in residential complexes such as St. Anton Building Project, St. Paul Building Project, St. Francis Building Project, and St. James Building Project.
Bethlehem
Reconfigure bathroom facilities for use by tourists and pilgrims at the St. Francis Millennium Centre.
Begin procurement for the creation of workshops for olive wood and mother of pearl at the St. Francis Millennium Centre.
Renovation and maintenance of residential complexes: Jesus the Child Building Project, St. Catherine Building Project, St. Francis Building Project.
Nazareth
Development of soccer fields and playgrounds for the children of the parish of Nazareth.
Completion of renovation of the hydraulic system at the Basilica of the Annunciation in order to protect the grotto from moisture.
Installation of a new organ in the Basilica of the Annunciation.
Cana
Beginning construction of the parish centre and school for the local Christian population.
Jericho
Construction of parish hall adjacent to the Sanctuary of the Good Shepherd and the first phase of construction of the new primary and secondary school.
4. Schools
Ramleh
Expansion and renovation of existing school areas.
Bethlehem
Completion of construction of the theatre at Saint Joseph – Terra Sancta Girls School.
Jordan
Creation of a sports Centre near the Terra Santa School in Amman.
5. Construction of apartments for the poor and for young couples
Bethpage. Final phase of construction of the new St. Francis Residence in Bethpage. Already 69 apartments were opened for Christian families from Jerusalem.
Jerusalem. Restructuring of approximately 75 homes in the Old City.
Bethlehem. Continuation of renovation and maintenance of housing for the poor on property of the Custody.
Nazareth. Housing Project in Nazareth. Beginning of construction of a residential complex where, in addition to a chapel and social facilities, the construction of 80 apartments is planned for the benefit of young families.
6. Other cultural works
Each year, the Custody of the Holy Land provides financial support to the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology of the Studium Biblicum Francescanum of Jerusalem. It offers approximately 30 scholarships to students from different dioceses, for the duration of their studies.
Franciscan Media Center. Development of a new form of communication by means of a website updated with the help of television networks, in order to disseminate real-time events related to the Christian holy places.
Magnificat. In a few short years, Magnificat has become a school of music capable of preparing students from a variety of cultures. Magnificat promotes research activities and cultural events both locally and internationally.
Renovation and purchase of printing equipment for the Custody of the Holy Land in Bethpage – Franciscan Printing Press.
In addition to these works, completed or planned in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, activities were also undertaken in Syria and Lebanon.
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