Easter is a time when our thoughts naturally turn to the Holy Land and particularly to Jerusalem where Our Lord suffered, died and rose again for our salvation. With Christ, our Church was born in the Holy Land. But it has always been the lot of the Church in that land to be small and to suffer ; it is very much a forgotten Church. One of the few organisations within the Church dedicated exclusively to helping our fellow Christians in the Holy Land is the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
The aim of this Order is to support by prayer and charitable giving the Christian community in the Holy Land. As a member of this Order I welcome this opportunity to share with you a few insights into the present situation there
The diocese of the Latin Patriach covers Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and the Kingdom of Jordan - all parts of what we know as the Holy Land. In principle it is like any other diocese elsewhere in the world. It serves some 72000 Catholics, with 60 parishes, 40 schools and a thriving seminary. The present Patriach of Jerusalem, H B Michel Sabbah, is the first Palestinian to hold the office. This is significant, because most of the Christians in the Holy Land are Palestinians who can trace their Christian origins back over centuries. In Palestine, our fellow Christians, along with many other Palestinians, are suffering great hardship as a result of the political situation. Many frustrations and tragedies previal such as :
The military checkpoints, restricting freedom to travel more than a few miles
Incidents of children being born and dying whilst mothers, on the way to hospital, are held at a checkpoint
Students are not allowed access to University, particularly on days of examinations
Curfews and restrictions imposed with little or no notice
There is overcrowding in Gaza with problems of contaminated water affecting health and welfare - water supplies are often only turned on for one day per month and domestic water tanks are targets in times of shootings
Teachers in Patriachate schools struggle to maintain the morale of pupils and teaching standards in a desperate social environment. At the same time they are suffering the same deprivations.
There is 60% unemployment brought about by the current situation - Bethlehem's tourism hotels and shops stand empty. There are few pilgrims requiring guides, coaches, restaurants, etc.
How can we help ?
1. To be more informed of the situation.
2. To pray regularly for peace and justice in the Holy Land for all Christians, Jews or Muslims
3. To raise funds to help in a practical way.
The Cambridge Nazareth Trust is a charity set up by a group of people, many being members of the Order, who have a specific interest in helping with the education of the children through financial school projects and pupil sponsorship
The Mission Statement for The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is to pray for, to support and to visit the living Christian community in the Holy Land - the "Living Stones".
Would you be interested in this work ? Would you like to help ?
For more information contact Sarah Covey via the Parish Office |