The chapter of the Friars of the Custody of the Holy Land closed with a Mass on the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Holy Sepulchre. The Mass was presided by the Minister General, Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, and concelebrated by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Visitator Fr. Francesco Bravi, together with the chapter friars and the religious communities of Jerusalem.With the theme "You will be my witnesses: Bearers of the gift of the Gospel to the Holy Land", 45 brothers from Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Rhodes, Israel, Palestine, Italy, Argentina, the United States and Egypt spent 10 days together from July 5 to 15 to plan the Custody's mission for the next three years.An important issue discussed was that of the internal reorganization, with the creation of a dependent Custody for Syria and Lebanon. The priority of assisting pilgrims was also reaffirmed, as was the servicing of shrines. Also highlighted was the essential commitment of parishes and schools to insert the activities of the Custody more directly into the local social fabric. Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, OFM, Minister General:"I would really like that in these next three years we take very seriously the revitalization of three pillars of our charism. First, the contemplative dimension, then living in community and then mission - but the mission always lived as the Franciscan mission. The Custody has a great history, but it also a history for the future. We try to go forward into the future, to where the Spirit moves us, and because of this, we need to live the present with much passion."Also important during the chapter were the official visits of Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Franco, as well as the Minister General.His Beatitude Foaud Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem:"The Franciscans in the Holy Land are essential. We need everyone and everything, each of them for their presence, their prayers, for the witness that they give, for the cooperation that we need."Archbishop Antonio Franco - Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine"As a representative of the Pope, it is a great joy to be here, a sign of the Holy Father's gratitude and concern for this specific mission of the Holy Land Custody and the Holy See. The Pope has entrusted the task of keeping the Franciscans of the Holy Places with a far-sighted vision in my opinion. And this mission of the Franciscan friars has been in the salvation history of the Holy Places and continues to be the guarantee that these sites will be preserved and will always be a reference point for Christians around the world."

The chapter of the Friars of the Custody of the Holy Land closed with a Mass on the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Holy Sepulchre. The Mass was presided by the Minister General, Fr. Jose Rodriguez...leggi tutto