The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, has appealed to the faithful around the world to support Christians in the Holy Land.
In a letter addressed to the bishops around the world, Cardinal Gugerotti, said many pilgrims today remain far from the city of their dreams, while the inhabitants of the Holy Land continue to suffer and die.
He said that pilgrimages to the Holy Land have a history as old as Christianity itself.
For hundreds of years, pilgrimages were made possible “by the generous work of the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land and the Eastern Churches present there,” the Cardinal Prefect added, while also recalling that, throughout the centuries, “the Church has continuously and passionately cultivated solidarity with the Church of Jerusalem.”
Since the late medieval era, all Popes, (past and present) have promoted and regulated a yearly collection for the Holy Land.
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti underscored the obligation for the faithful to contribute to the Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land and hopes for particular generosity this year.
Apart from the Holy Land being the place where Jesus lived and worked, there are Christians also living and operating there amid many difficulties and tragedies, the Cardinal added.
He also honoured those, who, over the centuries, have died as martyrs so as not to see their Christian roots cut off, saying “their Churches are an integral part of the history and culture of the East.”
The Prefect then expressed his regret that today many flee their country and “abandon the places where their fathers and mothers prayed and witnessed to the Gospel.”
He also warned of the dangers that face refugees who flee the Holy Land and go to the West, where the culture is very different, asking for help to support the local Churches in finding new ways, opportunities for work, housing, and educational and professional training so that the locals can stay in their own country.
Cardinal Gugerotti emphasized that if these people leave their small businesses serving pilgrims who no longer come to Jerusalem and Palestine, the East will lose part of its soul, perhaps forever.
He then called out to Catholics around the world: “Make them feel the solidarity of the Church!”
In conclusion, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti expressed “Pope Francis’ gratitude to the local Churches, to the Franciscans, to the many charity volunteers, true children of peace, witnesses of the Prince of Peace,” and also to all who pray for and make a contribution for the Holy Land.
