Posts Tagged
Holy Land
Custody of the Holy Land: ‘Prayer continues uninterruptedly’
In the midst of the violence in the Middle East, the Custody of the Holy Land invites people around the world to spiritually join in the prayers “so that war and violence may cease, and that the paths of dialogue, diplomacy, and politics…may be walked with courage and responsibility.” Vatican …
Restoration of Bethlehem’s Grotto of the Nativity ‘a sign of hope and unity’
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announce that works are set to begin to restore the “cradle” of Christianity—the place where Jesus was born—in Bethlehem. By Cecilia Seppia In Bethlehem, everything is ready to begin the restoration works of the Grotto of the …
Lord’s Day Reflection: The here and now significance of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum
As the Church celebrates the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, reflects on the theme: “The here and now significance of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum.” By Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM* In our journey through the rich tapestry of Scripture, the significance of Jesus’ ministry, particularly in Capernaum, …
Message from the Holy Land: Peace is not an illusion but a life choice
Violence begets death and destruction, revenge begets hatred and pain. News and pictures from Gaza and other war-torn lands show the physical and moral suffering of the innocent and defenceless. By Ibrahim Faltas * Holy Christmas is approaching. The Advent journey prepares us for the coming of the One who …
Priest warns: Christian town in Holy Land no longer safe amid settler attacks
By Sanad Sahelia ACI MENA, Jun 26, 2025 / 17:02 pm In a disturbing and increasingly frequent pattern, the Palestinian town of Taybeh, located east of Ramallah and known as the last remaining town in the West Bank inhabited entirely by Christians, faces ongoing attacks by Israeli settlers targeting residents, their …
Patriarch Pizzaballa: ‘We cannot afford the luxury of giving up’
Joining his appeal for peace with the Pope’s, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, calls on the Christian community to “do everything possible to bring help” to those suffering in Gaza. By Kielce Gussie Peace was once again the word of the day on Sunday, May 18. Cardinal …
Holy Spirit Center Brings Holy Land to Life
Walking where Jesus walked is a life-changing experience. As a pilgrimage to the Holy Land may not be possible for many, two seasonal exhibits at the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood bring the experience close to home. Through immersive displays with meticulously designed sets, lighting, music and—during the Advent season—volunteer …
Bethlehem’s ‘Milk Grotto’: A pilgrimage site of hope for families seeking miracles
By Marinella Bandini Bethlehem, Dec 15, 2024 / 06:00 am Just a short walk from the Grotto of the Nativity in the Holy Land is the only white-stone grotto in the entire area of Bethlehem. Commonly known as the “Milk Grotto,” its color and name are tied to a legend going …
What is the Jerusalem Cross?
By Matthew Bunson National Catholic Register, Nov 19, 2024 / 07:00 am The Associated Press recently claimed that President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, had tattoos supposedly connected with Christian nationalism and even white supremacy. It focused especially on the tattoo of a Jerusalem Cross on …
Where are all the pilgrims? The current state of religious tourism in the Holy Land
By Marinella Bandini Jerusalem, Jun 4, 2024 / 07:00 am During the month of May in Jerusalem, the major holidays of the three major religions — Christian Easter, Jewish Passover, and the month of Ramadan — passed with an almost total absence of pilgrims from abroad. The holy sites and the …
