Summary
On Ash Wednesday, Custos of the Holy Land Fr. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, issued a letter encouraging people to participate in the annual Pro Terra Sancta Collection for the Holy Land during Good Friday. The collection aims to support holy sites and charitable works in the Middle East, where conditions have worsened due to ongoing conflict, violence, and insecurity. These conditions have particularly affected young people living in regions like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Israel’s North, Lebanon, and Syria. Fr. Ielpo highlighted that times are challenging, as pilgrimages have declined, leaving many families struggling financially. The Pope’s call for prayer and fasting for peace further emphasizes the need to support these communities. As a concrete sign of communion with the Church in Jerusalem, the collection raises funds for schools, parishes, charitable works, social projects, and emergency interventions. Fr. Ielpo asked that people remember the Holy Land during Good Friday by praying for its residents. The Custos emphasized that rebuilding not only physical structures but also fostering trust, hope, and peace is essential in this context.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Holy Land, Custos of Jerusalem
