As Lieutenants of Malta and Italy, we are first and foremost members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre—
we are people who, some years ago, undertook a special responsibility of service to the Church, of a particular vocation: to serve the Christians of the Holy Land.
How ought we fulfill this service?
First and foremost, through prayer.
Then, through support, because the Christians of the Holy Land are few in number and are strongly pushed to emigrate due to their minority status and the difficulties they face.
We must also support them through our presence, as we have shown during this particular period.
Thankfully, we are beginning to see the return of pilgrims to Jerusalem, but we are still far from the numbers that once allowed many people to live with dignity, thanks to the support from pilgrimages and religious handicrafts, which are essential for many families.
We made the decision to come together to the Holy Land after meeting on a few special occasions in recent months.
We came with a few confreres—our close friends and collaborators—and some family members.
We’ve had meaningful meetings with the Patriarch, the Custos, and His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, who celebrated Mass for us at the Holy Sepulchre.
We also turned our attention to the other faiths present in this land, in an effort to better understand the other—because we are called to bear witness to others.
The Holy Land is often spoken about, but not well known, and the real problems of this land are often not presented adequately.
We also need to reassure all those we serve as Lieutenants within the Order—several thousand people between Malta and Italy—that this is a place one can still visit.
It is possible to come here peacefully—with necessary precautions, of course and we will surely be able to do so more effectively if we receive help in spreading the message, from the media and, most importantly, from those who organize pilgrimages.
These organizers must be supported in overcoming the limitations that keep many from returning to the Holy Land.
Only by returning in person can we truly promote peace through our presence and through support shown by closeness and encounter.
Just yesterday, we met with local Christians.
By doing so, we can help ensure a dignified life for many by sustaining hotels, restaurants, and religious artisanship.
Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that we also came because it was a personal need, as it happens for those who return to their mother on weekends or for major holidays.
This mother is Jerusalem, our earthly mother and, God willing, our heavenly mother too.