Staff Report

When area Catholics gather to remember the sorrowful passion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, they will be contributing to an effort that helps Christians and holy places in the Middle East.

Pope Francis, following the example of the Apostles back to St. Paul, is asking Catholics to support the preservation of holy places in the Middle East and support for beleaguered Christians in that strife-torn region, according to Archbishop of Cincinnati, Dennis M. Schnurr.

For more on Holy Week liturgies in the archdiocese, click HERE.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, in a letter to Archbishop Schnurr, says he trusts that local parishes will support the Good Friday Collection. In addition to contributing to the maintenance of numerous holy places, including Gethsemane in Jerusalem, The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the church in Cana that marks the site of Christ’s first public miracle, the collection supports scholarships for young Christians, artisans and families. These include Christian refugees of the hostilities in Iraq and Syria.

The collection also provides funds to support faith communities that, despite many challenges, decide not to flee the Holy Land.

The archbishop is joining Cardinal Sandri, who leads the Congregation for the Church in the Middle East, is asking local pastors and religious to encourage support of this collection in their congregations.

Posted March 25, 2015