Today, the Vatican Press Centre published a letter addressed to bishops throughout the world which was penned by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. In anticipation of the annual collection which is gathered on Good Friday in support of the Church in the Holy Land, an account of the ongoing work of restoration that has been accomplished in various locations throughout the Holy Land in recent years has also been assembled.
For many centuries the Custody of the Holy Land has committed itself to conserve and give new life to the Holy Places of Christianity in the Land of Jesus and in the other countries of the Middle East. Among the various objectives of the Franciscan mission, of primary importance is the support and progress of the Christian minority that lives in these regions, the conservation and cherishing of the archaeological areas and shrines, the assistance provided in cases of emergencies, the liturgies in the places of prayer, the educative and formative activities through a network of elementary and secondary schools, and the assistance afforded to pilgrims. Even in the year 2014, the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land has manifested itself through the projection, programming and execution of the following projects and works:
1. HOLY PLACES
JERUSALEM
Gethsemane
Garden of Olives
Conclusion of the restoration, maintenance and waterproofing of the roof of the Basilica of Gethsemane, restoration of the mosaics of the cupolas and of the floor of the basilica.
Holy Sepulchre
We are continuing works of ordinary and extraordinary maintenance.
Friary of the Holy Cenacle (the Upper Room)
Jesus, together with the Apostles, ate the last supper of his life on earth
Work continues on the new garden with spaces for the celebrations and welcoming of pilgrims, in an area of around 650 square metres.
NAZARETH
Basilica of the Annunciation
The Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary the birth of Jesus.
Installation of television cameras for the live or recorded broadcasts of the Celebrations. Installation of a new lighting system in the basilica.
Phase of elaboration of the new project of waterproofing of the grotto, that has been damaged by infiltration of water and humidity.
MAGDALA
City of Mary Magdalene
Continuation of the works of conservation of the archaeological area of Magdala, where important remains of the Roman port of the city have been discovered. We are preparing an itinerary for visits in order to allow pilgrims to broaden their knowledge regarding the daily life of the town during the times of Jesus.
CAPERNAHUM
Archaeological site
Jesus lived here after he left Nazareth and it was here that he began his preaching and accomplished numerous miracles.
Progress is being made on work to conserve the archaeological area (Phase I) in the open space in front of the Church. This area will be dedicated as a space for prayer and meditation.
The mosaics of the Byzantine church on the house of Peter are in the process of being restored.
MOUNT TABOR
Shrine of the Transfiguration
Identified as the high mountain where the transfiguration of Jesus took place.
We are working on the construction of a new parking lot close to the main gate (1250 square metres) – Phase I.
SEPHORIS
Site and Shrine of Sephoris
The place recognized by tradition as the house where Mary lived during her adolescence.
Maintenance and reconstruction of the external perimeter wall which had partially collapsed, has been completed.
A functional recovery of the ancient rooms and the installation of a new prefabricated unit which will function as a residence for the religious of the Incarnate Word, custodians of the Shrine.
CANA
Church of the first miracle
The site first miracle of Jesus.
First phase of the construction of a parochial centre and a school, in order to meet the needs of the parishioners.
MOUNT NEBO (JORDAN)
Shrine and Memorial of Moses
Conclusion of the project of the New covering for the Memorial of Moses. The project includes the construction of a new roof for the entire Basilica and of an exhibition itinerary for the mosaics that have been discovered during the excavation. We have furthermore concluded the building of a new Sacristy, and the installation of new electrical, mechanic and air-conditioning systems.
2. LOCAL COMMUNITY
Works in favour of young people include:
Scholarships
The financing of 295 Scholarships for University covering the length of four years, distributed in the various Universities: Bethlehem, Hebrew in Jerusalem and Haifa, Bir Zeit, Amman and others.
Support for aristan crafts
A project of support for ten small artisan firms with the acquisition of spare parts, machines for production, and other aids in favour of security in this activity.
BETHLEHEM
Laboratories for artwork in olive wood and mother of pearl.
We have completed the construction of laboratories for the works in olive wood and mother of pearl. Institution of courses of professional formation for young Palestinians in order to keep alive the tradition of local manufacturing.
Activities in favour of families
Parochial family consultative board. The work to support the Parochial Family Consultative Board is proceeding, in order to support the principal needs of families on an as-needed basis.
Franciscan House for young boys
We are continuing the project aimed at helping twenty boys aged between six and twelve, coming from poor families or from families with particular difficulties. Besides the welcoming and assistance for studies, the boys are followed by an educator, a social assistant and a psychologist.
Medical assistance
We are continuing the project of medical assistance aimed at families with serious economic difficulties, by providing for the partial or total covering of their medical expenses.
Restructuring of houses
Project of restoring houses where the most needy families dwell. The restoration is being done by local workers who would otherwise not find a job. Besides helping the families, this activity periodically guarantees hundreds of job opportunities.
Works in favour of Parochial Communities
Parish cemetery. Conclusion of the works of expansion of the cemetery, making use of an area of roughly 700 square metres adjacent to the existing cemetery.
Catholic Action Centre
The centre of the Catholic Acton of Bethlehem has been subjected to a series of renovations.
NAZARETH
Parish centre
Conclusion of the work to construct spaces for recreation for children of the parish of Nazareth.
Apartments for the poor and for young couples
JERUSALEM
Old City
The phase of the project of renewal and restoration of the houses in the Old City is still ongoing (45 units for habitation were restored in 2013).
Saint James housing project at Beit Hanina: this is a project comprising 6 blocks including a total of 42 apartments divided in 3 levels.
We have obtained permission for the building of 24 new apartments.
BETHLEHEM
Jesus the Child, Saint Catherine and Saint Francis housing projects
The ordinary maintenance and the restructuring of the dwelling units in these residential complexes is underway.
Other cultural work
Each year the Custody of the Holy Land economically supports the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology of the Studium Biblicum Fanciscanum of Jerusalem. It offers around 30 scholarships to students coming from different dioceses, for the whole length of their studies.
Franciscan Media Centre
A new form of communication through an updated website, with the help of TV networks in order to diffuse in real time facts and events linked with the Holy Places of Christian worship.
Works in favour of Lebanon and Syria
Besides the work that have been accomplished and projected in Israel and in the Palestinian Territories, we have given particular attention to Christians in Lebanon and Syria, who are living in situations of extreme need.
For many centuries the Custody of the Holy Land has committed itself to conserve and give new life to the Holy Places of Christianity in the Land of Jesus and in the other countries of the Middle East. Among the various objectives of the Franciscan mission, of primary importance is the support and progress of the Christian minority that lives in these regions, the conservation and cherishing of the archaeological areas and shrines, the assistance provided in cases of emergencies, the liturgies in the places of prayer, the educative and formative activities through a network of elementary and secondary schools, and the assistance afforded to pilgrims. Even in the year 2014, the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land has manifested itself through the projection, programming and execution of the following projects and works:
1. HOLY PLACES
JERUSALEM
Gethsemane
Garden of Olives
Conclusion of the restoration, maintenance and waterproofing of the roof of the Basilica of Gethsemane, restoration of the mosaics of the cupolas and of the floor of the basilica.
Holy Sepulchre
We are continuing works of ordinary and extraordinary maintenance.
Friary of the Holy Cenacle (the Upper Room)
Jesus, together with the Apostles, ate the last supper of his life on earth
Work continues on the new garden with spaces for the celebrations and welcoming of pilgrims, in an area of around 650 square metres.
NAZARETH
Basilica of the Annunciation
The Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary the birth of Jesus.
Installation of television cameras for the live or recorded broadcasts of the Celebrations. Installation of a new lighting system in the basilica.
Phase of elaboration of the new project of waterproofing of the grotto, that has been damaged by infiltration of water and humidity.
MAGDALA
City of Mary Magdalene
Continuation of the works of conservation of the archaeological area of Magdala, where important remains of the Roman port of the city have been discovered. We are preparing an itinerary for visits in order to allow pilgrims to broaden their knowledge regarding the daily life of the town during the times of Jesus.
CAPERNAHUM
Archaeological site
Jesus lived here after he left Nazareth and it was here that he began his preaching and accomplished numerous miracles.
Progress is being made on work to conserve the archaeological area (Phase I) in the open space in front of the Church. This area will be dedicated as a space for prayer and meditation.
The mosaics of the Byzantine church on the house of Peter are in the process of being restored.
MOUNT TABOR
Shrine of the Transfiguration
Identified as the high mountain where the transfiguration of Jesus took place.
We are working on the construction of a new parking lot close to the main gate (1250 square metres) – Phase I.
SEPHORIS
Site and Shrine of Sephoris
The place recognized by tradition as the house where Mary lived during her adolescence.
Maintenance and reconstruction of the external perimeter wall which had partially collapsed, has been completed.
A functional recovery of the ancient rooms and the installation of a new prefabricated unit which will function as a residence for the religious of the Incarnate Word, custodians of the Shrine.
CANA
Church of the first miracle
The site first miracle of Jesus.
First phase of the construction of a parochial centre and a school, in order to meet the needs of the parishioners.
MOUNT NEBO (JORDAN)
Shrine and Memorial of Moses
Conclusion of the project of the New covering for the Memorial of Moses. The project includes the construction of a new roof for the entire Basilica and of an exhibition itinerary for the mosaics that have been discovered during the excavation. We have furthermore concluded the building of a new Sacristy, and the installation of new electrical, mechanic and air-conditioning systems.
2. LOCAL COMMUNITY
Works in favour of young people include:
Scholarships
The financing of 295 Scholarships for University covering the length of four years, distributed in the various Universities: Bethlehem, Hebrew in Jerusalem and Haifa, Bir Zeit, Amman and others.
Support for aristan crafts
A project of support for ten small artisan firms with the acquisition of spare parts, machines for production, and other aids in favour of security in this activity.
BETHLEHEM
Laboratories for artwork in olive wood and mother of pearl.
We have completed the construction of laboratories for the works in olive wood and mother of pearl. Institution of courses of professional formation for young Palestinians in order to keep alive the tradition of local manufacturing.
Activities in favour of families
Parochial family consultative board. The work to support the Parochial Family Consultative Board is proceeding, in order to support the principal needs of families on an as-needed basis.
Franciscan House for young boys
We are continuing the project aimed at helping twenty boys aged between six and twelve, coming from poor families or from families with particular difficulties. Besides the welcoming and assistance for studies, the boys are followed by an educator, a social assistant and a psychologist.
Medical assistance
We are continuing the project of medical assistance aimed at families with serious economic difficulties, by providing for the partial or total covering of their medical expenses.
Restructuring of houses
Project of restoring houses where the most needy families dwell. The restoration is being done by local workers who would otherwise not find a job. Besides helping the families, this activity periodically guarantees hundreds of job opportunities.
Works in favour of Parochial Communities
Parish cemetery. Conclusion of the works of expansion of the cemetery, making use of an area of roughly 700 square metres adjacent to the existing cemetery.
Catholic Action Centre
The centre of the Catholic Acton of Bethlehem has been subjected to a series of renovations.
NAZARETH
Parish centre
Conclusion of the work to construct spaces for recreation for children of the parish of Nazareth.
Apartments for the poor and for young couples
JERUSALEM
Old City
The phase of the project of renewal and restoration of the houses in the Old City is still ongoing (45 units for habitation were restored in 2013).
Saint James housing project at Beit Hanina: this is a project comprising 6 blocks including a total of 42 apartments divided in 3 levels.
We have obtained permission for the building of 24 new apartments.
BETHLEHEM
Jesus the Child, Saint Catherine and Saint Francis housing projects
The ordinary maintenance and the restructuring of the dwelling units in these residential complexes is underway.
Other cultural work
Each year the Custody of the Holy Land economically supports the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology of the Studium Biblicum Fanciscanum of Jerusalem. It offers around 30 scholarships to students coming from different dioceses, for the whole length of their studies.
Franciscan Media Centre
A new form of communication through an updated website, with the help of TV networks in order to diffuse in real time facts and events linked with the Holy Places of Christian worship.
Works in favour of Lebanon and Syria
Besides the work that have been accomplished and projected in Israel and in the Palestinian Territories, we have given particular attention to Christians in Lebanon and Syria, who are living in situations of extreme need.
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