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Final Communique of the Holy Land Co-ordination 18-23 January 2025

The Holy Land Co-ordination's final communique, issued on January 23, 2025, highlights the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and the ongoing struggles faced by communities in the West Bank. The bishops' delegation, visiting as pilgrims of hope, emphasized the need for international cooperation to achieve lasting peace and support for those affected by the conflict.

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Return of Dames and Knights: Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Visits the Holy Land

On January 22nd, 2025, Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, warmly welcomed five Dames and Knights from the Northern Lieutenancy of the USA to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. During this significant visit, three members received their pilgrim Shells, marking a memorable moment in their spiritual journey

Bethlehem University

Bethlehem University Hosts EOHSJ France Delegation to Discuss Educational Support and Collaboration

Bethlehem University had the honour of hosting the Projects Committee of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem […]

The Patriarch and the Palestinians

In this article, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, reflects on the precarious position of Christians in the Holy Land amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Serving as a diplomat and protector of Catholic communities, Pizzaballa navigates the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations, aiming to ensure the safety of Catholics while balancing relations with both Israeli and Muslim authorities. The article explores the historical context of Christianity in the region, the challenges faced by Palestinian Christians, and Pizzaballa’s strategic approach to protecting his flock in the midst of war.

Archbishop Farrell

Archbishop Farrell: the injustices in Gaza now are no justification for past injustices

In his Christmas homily, Archbishop Farrell reflects on the hope and peace symbolized by the birth of Christ amidst the harsh realities of today's world. Drawing from his recent visit to Tigray, Ethiopia, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he highlights the suffering and resilience of displaced people. The Archbishop calls for a renewed commitment to peace, inspired by the humble birth of Jesus, and urges believers to welcome the Prince of Peace into their hearts this Christmas.

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Visit to Bethlehem by His Beatitude Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa ofm The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Video images and interview from SKY TV Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir, @YousraElbagir reporting on the visit to Bethlehem by His […]

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Cardinal Filoni Reflects on Humanity and Faith: A Message of Hope Amidst Global Conflict

In a recent interview, Iranian writer Azar Nafisi shared a profound reflection on humanity amidst conflict. Her book, adapted into an award-winning film at the 2024 Rome Film Festival by Israeli director Eran Riklis, recounts her experiences in Tehran during the 1980s. Nafisi's message emphasizes the importance of remaining human in the face of violence and despair, highlighting the true meaning of Christmas and the enduring hope found in faith.

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Cardinal Pizzaballa Brings Christmas Light to Gaza: Holy Mass and Youth Confirmations on 4th Sunday of Advent

On the 4th Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Gaza to show solidarity with the Christian community. He presided over Holy Mass at the Holy Family Latin Catholic Church and administered confirmation to youths, delivering a heartfelt sermon emphasizing hope, unity, and the light of Christ during the Christmas season

Honoured Pilgrimage: Donnacha Fahy Receives the Pilgrim Shell from Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem

On Monday, 16th December 2024, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS had the honour of an audience with His Excellency Bishop Dr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem and Palestine, at the headquarters of the Latin Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Donnacha was awarded the Pilgrim Shell of the Latin Patriarchate, recognising his first pilgrimage as an invested Knight of the Equestrian Order. This moment marked the culmination of his three-week pilgrimage of solidarity to the Holy Land, where he met with the 'living stones' and visited sacred sites in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Jaffa, and Jerusalem.

Uniting Hearts: The Mission of Hebrew-Speaking Catholics in Israel

On Saturday, 14th December 2024, our Irish Confrère visited Jaffa and Tel Aviv to connect with the Hebrew-speaking Catholic communities in Israel. Under the guidance of Fr Piotr Zelazko, the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics provides pastoral care to these small but dedicated congregations across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Tiberias. This mission highlights the importance of solidarity and spiritual support within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Donnacha Fahy meets George Akroush in the Holy Land

Interview with George Akroush, project coordinator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Donnach Fahy recorded a conversation with George Akroush. George Akroush, project coordinator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, speaks candidly […]

Christmas Message – 2024 —The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem

The Eternal Light: A Christmas Declaration from Jerusalem’s Faithful

In these dark days of ongoing conflict and uncertainty in our region, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem remain resolute in proclaiming the timeless Christmas message of the True Light shining in the darkness: the birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. They steadfastly offer hope and renewal to their local congregations and the world, reminding us that Christ’s Nativity brought the light of God’s salvation into the world, illuminating all who would receive Him. As spiritual leaders in the very places where Jesus was born, ministered, and rose from the dead, they continue to testify to the sacred light of Christ. Through worship at holy sites, welcoming pilgrims, and ministering to those in need, they advocate for peace, justice, and mercy in a land still fraught with turmoil. In this hopeful Christmas spirit, they call upon all Christians and people of goodwill to join in their noble mission of bringing about peace and healing in the Holy Land and beyond.

Donnacha Fahy meets George Akroush in the Holy Land

Support and Solidarity: Irish Confrère’s Visit to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

On Friday, 13th December 2024, Irish Confrère visited the Offices of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, meeting with key staff members including Mr Sami El-Yousef, CEO, and Mr George Akroush, Director of the Projects' Development Office. The visit highlighted the impactful contributions made through the Emergency Appeal for Gaza, benefiting 140,000 people since the war's onset. Detailed insights into their relief efforts and the crucial work of the St James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics were also shared. This visit underscored the importance of solidarity and support within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

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From Ireland to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Encounter with Compassionate Caregivers

On Monday 9th December 2024, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy KHS had the privilege to visit the offices of Bethlehem Care […]

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Further update on Confrère Donnacha Fahy’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem

Donnacha had the privilege of visiting Hogar Niño Dios Special Needs Centre located just down the hill from the Church […]

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Update from the holy land of JESUS

Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS continues his solo pilgrimage of solidarity visiting Bethlehem and Galilee To mark the season of […]

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Greetings from Bethlehem University

Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS continues his solo pilgrimage of solidarity, visiting Bethlehem University at the invitation of Shahinda Nassar, […]

audience with The Custos Bro Francesco Patton, ofm who welcomed and congratulated him on his solo pilgrimage of solidarity with the Christian communities of the Holy Land at this time.

Visit to the Secretariat of the Custos of the Holy Land

This morning, Thursday 28th November 2024 our Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS visited the Secretariat of The Custos of the […]

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Praying for peace at the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Chev. Fahy, from the Lieutenancy of Ireland, praying for peace in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Bir Zeit community with Members of the Irish Lieutenancy during a recent pilgrimage

Immaculate Conception Latin Parish Church in Bir Zeit

An interesting background history of the Immaculate Conception Latin Parish Church in Bir Zeit, close to Ramallah in the occupied […]

October 25th is the Feast of Our Lady of Palestine, the Patroness of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ),

The Feast of Our Lady of Palestine, the Patroness of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

October 25th is the Feast of Our Lady of Palestine, the Patroness of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre […]

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Visit the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Spontaneous introductory visit to the principal places inside the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. We start at the lowest level in […]

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September 2024 – Newsletter of the Seminary of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

September 2024 – Newsletter of the Seminary of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is a blessing to fulfill God’s purpose for the Church of Jerusalem, the Mother Church. God willed for a Latin Patriarchal Seminary to be founded in Beit Jala to support the local church by forming good priests. Since 1852, the Seminary has formed 298 diocesan priests, including 15 Bishops and 3 Patriarchs. Many candidates have also left to pursue marital life, establishing Christian families who act as beacons of hope. Thanks to global Christian generosity, the Seminary continues to offer priestly formation for seminarians from Jerusalem and beyond.

12 Messages from the Clergy of the Holy Land

12 Messages from the Clergy of the Holy Land

A video series featuring messages from His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, as well as from bishops […]

Patriarchs and heads of the churches in jerusalem Statement on the urgent need to conclude the present war and turn from the pursuit of death and destruction towards the promotion of life and peace

Patriarchs and heads of the churches in jerusalem

Statement on the urgent need to conclude the present war and turn from the pursuit of death and destruction towards […]

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

A heartfelt message in view of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th 2024

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has addressed Christians in the Holy Land with a heartfelt message in […]

Interview with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem HB Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Credit: iCatholic The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem HB Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa reflects on the situation in the Gaza since the […]

Cardinal Pizzaballa in Gaza

Cardinal Pizzaballa: We stand by those working for good in this dark night

The Cardinal Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem talks of the critical time in the Holy Land and of how difficult it is to see ways out.

Irish Catholic Bishop's Conference

Irish Bishops call for courageous world leadership to stop Israel/Hamas war

The Bishops of Ireland have asked for prayers for all people affected by the Israel/Hamas war, for the release of hostages, for humanitarian workers and for first responders.  Bishops reiterated the words of Pope Francis that this war is a “catastrophe for humanity.”

We should not forget the Christian minority in Palestine and Israel

Aid should not be based on religion, but Christians face specific challenges Breda O’Brien – Sun Jun 9 2024 – […]

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Corpus Christi is celebrated in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on the Thursday after the Trinity Sunday.

Corpus Christi is celebrated in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on the Thursday after the Trinity Sunday. On the eve of the solemnity, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, made the solemn entrance and presided over First Vespers. After Vespers, they all took part in the solemn procession of the Franciscan friars to the holy places inside the Basilica, to then end with the Compline.

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Return to the Holy Family parish for a pastoral visit

Wonderful news to learn that His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Fr Gabriel Romanelli, Parish Priest of the Holy Family Church Gaza finally returned to the parish for a pastoral visit.

Cardinal-Dolan

Cardinal Dolan visits the Holy Land: the only path to peace is love

In the midst of the maddening war that is ruthlessly engulfing the Holy Land, Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy […]

Jerusalem Cross Newsletter 2023-2024

The latest issue of Jerusalem Cross 2023-2024

The latest issue of Jerusalem Cross 2023-2024, the annual magazine of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, […]

Father Gabriel Romanelli, Parish Priest of the Latin Holy Family Church Gaza

Father Gabriel Romanelli, Parish Priest of the Latin Holy Family Church Gaza

Father Gabriel Romanelli, Parish Priest of the Latin Holy Family Church Gaza

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Support the Good Friday Collection

The Pontifical Good Friday Collection is the result of the Pope's wishes for the bond between all Christians in the world and the Holy Places to remain strong. The collection is taken up on Good Friday, in all Catholic Churches around the world, to support the work of the Franciscans of the Holy Land.

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The Message from fr. Francesco Pattonfor the Good Friday Collection

On this occasion, we friars of the Custody of the Holy Land become beggars and we turn to you so that Good Friday may be a day of universal solidarity, a day on which Christians from all over the world take concrete care of the Mother Church of Jerusalem, which at this moment is in dire need of it.

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A brief report of Cardinal Fernando Filoni’s pilgrimage for peace in the Holy Land

A brief report of Cardinal Fernando Filoni’s pilgrimage for peace in the Holy Land from December 28, 2023, to January […]

Cardinal Filoni, Ambassador Visconti, Francoise Vayne in Jerusalem

Cardinal Filoni in Holy Land: ‘Please believe that peace and dialogue are possible’

Cardinal Fernando Filoni concludes his Pilgrimage of Peace to the Holy Land with an appeal to Israelis and Palestinians to […]

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Cardinal Grand Master arrived today in the Holy Land

Cardinal Grand Master arrived today in the Holy Land welcomed at Tel Aviv Airport by the Apostolic Nunzio, Mons. Adolfo […]

Notification from the Grand Master

‘Notification that the Grand Master and the Governor General of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will travel […]

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Advent 2023 – The Season of Hope and Preparation

Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered this week in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, for its Winter 2023 General […]

The Order of the Holy Sepulcher renews its commitment to the Holy Land alongside the Latin Patriarchate

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre renews its commitment to the Holy Land alongside the Latin Patriarchate

Informative video summary, detailing the meeting of the Lieutenants and Grand Priors of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre […]

The Order of the Holy Sepulcher renews its commitment to the Holy Land alongside the Latin Patriarchate

Pope Francis laments ‘innocent dead‘ in Holy Land conflict

Pope Francis laments ‘innocent dead‘ in Holy Land conflict Pope Francis met with leaders of the Equestrian Order of the […]

General Appeal – November 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters,   May the Lord give you peace!  Charity and prayer animate the entire extended family of the […]

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A Pastoral Letter has been sent by His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa to all the parishes across the Holy Land.

Given the current situation the Patriarch has felt it necessary to share this. The feast of Our Lady Queen of […]

Promotion to Cardinal for His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Promotion to Cardinal for His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa

The Lieutenancy of Ireland sends our sincere congratulations to our dear friend on his elevation to Cardinal – Deus lo […]

Easter is a special time to visit the Holy Land

Dame Eleanor Hurl, DCHS, along with her husband Chevalier Dr Frank, KC*HS and her cousins from Los Angeles, joined members […]

Fr. Riad Hijazin, Parish Priest of Al-Salt with Thomas Kilduff, Communications Officer.

2023 Project – The Latin Parish Convent, Al-Salt, Jordan

This year 2023, the Lieutenancy of Ireland has committed to funding £45,000 towards the cost of essential refurbishment works to […]

Three members of the Lieutenancy of Ireland visited the Holy Land in April 2023

Ecclesiastical Knight Very Reverend Gerard MacCormack, KHS returned to Jerusalem where he met with the Custos, His Excellency Fr. Franceso […]

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Cniotáil chun tacaíocht a thabhairt don creche i mBeithil

Tá Dame Veronica Holohan, lena cáirde ag leanacht ar aghaidh ag bailiú airgid ó bheith ag cniotáil clocaí tae phota […]

Pilgrim Shell Awarded to Fr. Gerard MacCormack in Jerusalem

On 25th October 2022, Very Reverend Gerard MacCormack, KHS was awarded the Pilgrim Shell and Commemorative Parchment by Monsignor William […]

Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly cutting the tape, at the 4 classroom school extension in Mafraq Latin Parish School

Archbishop opens new 4 classroom School extension in Jordan

Today 12th September 2022, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly,  Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly opened a new 4 classroom school extension at […]

The Reverend Canon Jamal Khader, and, The Reverend Canon Rafic Nahra

New Appointments in The Holy Land

On Friday 11th March 2022, the Holy Father appointed The Reverend Canon Jamal Khader, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan assigning him […]

Doctors with the Coronavirus patients after recovery - Bethlehem

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre supports the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in responding to the Covid-19 crisis

From May 2020, the 30 thousand Knights and Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, present in the various […]

Christmas message from Holy Family Children’s Home, Filles de la Charité St Vincent

HOLY FAMILY CHILDREN’S HOME FILLES DE LA CHARITE St. Vincent BETHLEEM E-mail: creche@p-ol.com Dear Friends and benefactors. What a joy it is for […]

Jordan, 2019 update

Since the dawn of Christianity, Christian communities have flourished in and around the provincial towns of Karak, Madaba, Salt, and […]

Synoptic Report from Holy Land Commission

Report of Site Visit to The Holy Land (Jordan)  8 – 15 September 2019 INTRODUCTION The week spent exclusively in Jordan […]

Living Stones-Christians In the Holy Land

Why are Holy Land Christians Called “Living Stones?”

The term living stones in 1 Peter 2:5 is used as a metaphor to illustrate the secure and intimate relationship believers have with Jesus, […]