Going to the Holy Land is not just a special occasion but also an opportunity to review and strengthen one’s faith commitment. In the pilgrimage I participated in with Fr Twanny Chircop OFM, our spiritual assistant, I could see the relevance of visiting the land of Jesus. The holy places that are intimately connected with salvation events are a wonderful witness of God’s love for humanity.
The diverse sanctuaries we visited, all reflect the untiring and dedicated work of the Franciscan friars to evangelise both the pilgrims as well as the locals through the powerful vehicle of the gospel message. Each sanctuary carries its own history. Throughout the troubling years of the Persian Invasion and the Turkish rule, the sanctuaries witnessed destruction.
Yet from the 13th century onwards, inspired by Saint Francis’ ardent love for the Holy Land, the Franciscan friars did their utmost to bring to light the splendor of God’s Word as shown by the different sanctuaries they built around holy sites. Moreover, their pastoral fervour in promoting and supporting the local Christians is to be admired and aided.
It is sensible and wise to support the Commissariat of the Holy Land. From my experience the Franciscan friars are the top people with whom you can visit the Holy Land. They are highly qualified and knowledgeable about the land of Jesus. Furthermore, by giving donations to the Commissariat of the Holy Land one is supporting various social projects which the Franciscans are engaged in so as to sustain the Christians in the Holy Land.
The recent unfortunate happenings in Gaza strip have deterred people from going to the Holy Land. One has to rest assured that s/he is perfectly safe in going there. The areas of the conflict are distant from where the holy places are situated. If you did not go to the Holy Land I strongly encourage you to go with the Franciscan friars. With them you will discover the immense spiritual richness of being a Catholic Christian, thanks to their heartfelt knowledge, wisdom and spirituality of the Holy Land.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann