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Skriven 2007-03-06 21:00:58 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                               VIS-Press releases

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE MOTHER CHURCH OF JERUSALEM

VATICAN CITY, MAR 6, 2007 (VIS) - As is customary at the beginning of Lent,
Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental
Churches, has sent a letter "to all of the pastors of the Universal Church"
requesting "assistance for the needs of a portion of the Church which is both
forever old and forever young, ... Catholic Christians living in the Holy
Land."

In his letter, published in English, Spanish, French and Italian, the cardinal
recalls how the first collection for the Holy Land dates back "to the
pontificate of Martin V. In 1421 he promulgated norms to regulate the gathering
of offerings. ... This collection has since been marked by pontifical approval;
was confirmed by various succeeding pontiffs, and was applied directly and with
utmost solicitude for the aid of the Christian community in the Land of the
Lord.

"The Congregation for Oriental Churches," he continues, "shares in this
concern, and always stands in solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land and
those throughout the Middle East. We are aware, too, that the political and
economic crisis of this area has not yet been resolved and shows evidence each
day of unspeakable suffering. This situation impresses upon all of us that
there is an absolute and urgent need to support our brothers and sisters in
this land, and to do so in every possible manner. In particular, we continually
invoke upon them that peace which comes only from the Most High."

Benedict XVI, writes Cardinal Daoud, "recalled this obligation during his visit
to Turkey" when he said "we ask peace for Jerusalem and for the entire world."
The prefect also emphasizes the grave responsibility of "the universal Church
with regards to the Mother Church of Jerusalem.

"Therefore," he continues, "all Catholics of the world must offer their prayers
and expressions of solidarity, including economic solidarity, to the Christian
community of that blessed Land. Despite their countless difficulties, these
Christians offer day by day, and in silence, an authentic witness to the
Gospel."

The cardinal concludes his letter by saying: "It is appropriate also to
acknowledge the Latin Patriarch, the Custody, ... the Oriental Catholic
Churches and all of the institutes and organizations operative in this
territory. To each I express profound gratitude. It is a gratitude filled with
confidence that the particular Churches of the world will continue to respond
favorably to this vital cause of the Holy Land.

"The heartfelt appreciation of the Holy Father is also extended. He assures his
prayers and blessing for all of the Churches and upon all of the benefactors of
the Land of the Lord."
CEO/HOLY LAND COLLECTION/DAOUDVIS 070306 (450)

SUMMARY

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