The Franciscan Custody of Holy Land: Giving Hope to Christian Communities in the Holy Land
As Easter approaches, the Church is gearing up to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. In the midst of this joyous occasion, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is calling on Christians worldwide to contribute generously to the annual Good Friday Collection. This collection plays a crucial role in providing hope to Christian communities in the war-torn region.
By Lisa Zengarini
On Good Friday, the global Church comes together for the traditional Good Friday Collection, which supports the vital work of the Franciscans in preserving and supporting the Christian community and heritage in the Holy Land. This long-standing tradition symbolizes solidarity with Christians in the region who greatly depend on the assistance received through this worldwide collection.
The funds raised through this collection support the missions of the Custody of the Holy Land, which operates in various countries including Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus, as well as countries with Eastern Christian communities like Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.
The Franciscan friars have been active in these regions for centuries, serving as guardians of the Holy Sites and other shrines that hold immense significance for the Christian world. They also work as educators, healthcare providers, humanitarian workers, and advocates for peace.
Help Give Hope and Sow Peace in the Holy Land
Under the theme “Give Hope, Sow Peace,” this year’s Easter campaign takes on a pressing tone due to the challenges faced by people in the region, including the ongoing war in Gaza and escalating violence. Father Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, emphasized the urgency of the situation in an appeal launched on Ash Wednesday.
“The experience of this past year has been truly difficult for all of us,” said Father Patton. War has not only brought devastation to cities but has also deeply impacted families, resulting in job losses, loss of children, and dashed dreams of starting a family for many young couples.
Preserving the Christian Presence in the Holy Land
Despite the challenging circumstances, past donations from international solidarity have enabled the Custody to continue its initiatives. However, Father Patton stressed the need for more support.
He made an urgent appeal to sow peace and give hope to Christians in the Holy Land, aligning with the theme of the Jubilee Year. The battered populations of the Holy Land, including Christians, religious communities, young people, children, the sick, and elderly, require immediate help to cope with the aftermath of war.
Through the Good Friday Collection and pilgrimages, Christians can provide essential funding to help the Custody maintain Holy Places, respond to emergencies, support schools, clinics, homes for the elderly and young families, and engage in humanitarian work for migrants, displaced persons, and refugees.
The Custody’s Vital Work for Christian Communities in the Holy Land
The Custody currently comprises 270 missionaries from over 30 nations, overseeing sanctuaries, parishes, pilgrim houses, healthcare facilities, schools, scholarships, and academic institutes. They employ locals and provide housing support to families in need.
In various regions, the friars work tirelessly to promote peace, education, and support for Christian communities. Their humanitarian efforts in war-torn Syria are especially crucial in providing food, medicine, and surgical assistance.
65% of the Good Friday Collection’s proceeds go to the Custody, while the remaining 35% is allocated to the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches for distribution.
