VATICAN - Holy Land appeal: “I urge everyone to reinforce the solidarity that has been shown so far”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On behalf of the Holy Father, who has entrusted to the Congregation for the Eastern Churches the task of keeping alive interest in that blessed Land, “ I urge everyone to reinforce the solidarity that has been shown so far. In fact, the Christians of the East have a responsibility that belongs to the universal Church, in other words the responsibility to preserve the "Christian origins", the places and people who are the sign of them, so that those origins may always be the reference of the Christian mission, the measure of the ecclesial future and its security. They therefore deserve the support of the entire Church.” This is the appeal launched by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, expressed in a letter he has sent to the Pastors of the Universal Church, asking that they support the Holy Land in this time of preparation for Easter.
The text recalls the collections taken up by the first Christian communities for the needs of Jerusalem and the pilgrimage made by the Holy Father Benedict XVI last May, during which “His Holiness recalled that "in the Holy Land there is room for everyone"! And he urged the authorities to support the Christian presence but at the same time assured the Christians of this land of the Church’s solidarity.”
Cardinal Sandri adds another document to his letter, showing the work carried out by the Custody of the Holy Land with the 2009 Collection: rebuilding churches, shrines, and convents. There have also been initiatives begun for the youth, families, and parishes, in addition to support given to cultural initiatives and projects. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 8/03/2010)