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 News
Despite access to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem being restricted for security reasons, “prayer continues uninterruptedly in the Holy Places.”
This is what the Custody of the Holy Land reported in a statement, highlighting that celebrations, rituals, daily processions, and liturgical prayers have never ceased “day or night.”
Come together in prayer againt violence
“Our centuries-old presence in the places of Redemption and the prayer raised there every day is on behalf of the entire Church and for the good of all humanity,” the statement reads.
“In particularly dramatic moments, like the ones we are living through, [this presence and prayer] seek to make evident the faith, hope, and prayers of every baptized person, so that from these holy places, a prayer for peace and reconciliation between the peoples continues to rise.”
Regarding whether Holy Week celebrations will be held, the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land explain that at this time “it is not possible to make predictions”.
The Custody is in constant dialogue with the competent authorities and with other churches responsible for the Holy Sepulcher. Therefore, they invite all the faithful to join in prayer “so that war and violence may cease, and that the paths of dialogue, diplomacy, and politics— the only ways capable of building just and lasting peace—may be walked with courage and responsibility.”
