From March 9 to 14, 2025, the Holy Land Commission (HLC) conducted its semi-annual visit to the Holy Land, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to supporting the Christian community and addressing its evolving needs in the region.
The delegation consisted of six Knights and Dames of the Equestrian order of the Holy Sepulchre: Professor Bartholomew McGettrick, head of the delegation; Mr. Tim Milner, Mrs. Donna Milner; Dr. Detlef Brummer; Dr. Donata Maria Krethlow-Benziger; and Mr. François Vayne. They held a series of meetings, site visits, and discussions aimed at strengthening the assessment of the current challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land and continuing to support the Latin Patriarchate’s efforts in alleviating these struggles.
Commencement of the Visit
The visit began with a preliminary meeting with Mr. Sami El-Yousef, CEO of the Latin Patriarchate, who provided the delegation with a comprehensive update on the latest developments and ongoing projects of the Patriarchate. This set the stage for the days ahead, highlighting key concerns and areas of focus.
Later in the day, the delegation attended the First Solemn Mass of the newly appointed Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, Fr. Iyad Twal, at the Church of the Annunciation in Beit Jala.
Day 2: The Role of Education in Empowering the Community
In Jerusalem, the delegation met with the heads of various departments of the Latin Patriarchate, who provided a comprehensive overview of the socio-political and economic challenges affecting Christian families and institutions. They then visited the parish and school in Beit Jala, where they met with Fr. Hanna Mass’ad, the parish priest, and Mr. Suheil Daibes, the school director, who emphasized the impact of Catholic Christian education on local youth.
The delegation also visited the seminary, engaging with priests and seminarians to gain deeper insight into the institution’s latest developments. The day concluded with a visit to Bethlehem University, where Br. Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor, outlined the university’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality higher education despite persistent regional challenges.
Day 3: Supporting Youth
The delegation spent the day in Ramallah, beginning with a visit to Ein Arik School, where they observed the dedication of teachers and students in preserving their faith and cultural identity. They then met with Fr. Louis Salman, General Chaplain of Christian Youth in Palestine, at the Youth Center, where he provided insights into programs designed to nurture young Christians in their spiritual and social development.
Additionally, the delegation held a meeting with Fr. Yacoub Rafidi, Head of the LPJ Schools in Palestine, along with several school principals, to discuss the challenges facing Christian education. The discussion highlighted the difficulties of sustaining Catholic education amid political and financial hardships, underscoring the crucial role of continued support from the Holy Land Commission.
Notably, the North American Knights have launched a fundraising campaign to support schools in Jordan and Palestine by improving infrastructure, furnishing classrooms, and equipping facilities such as computer labs, libraries, and playgrounds. Mr. Tim Milner, representing the North American Knights, reported that the campaign launched six months ago, has been highly successful, raising nearly six million dollars. More than 40 to 50 projects are expected to be completed in various schools by the end of summer 2025.
Day 4: Pastoral Life in Galilee
The day began with a virtual meeting with Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar for Galilee, to discuss the pastoral needs of the northern region. The delegation then visited the pastoral center in Haifa, where they met with Fr. Ramez Twal, the youth chaplain in Galilee, who emphasized the center’s role in deepening faith and fostering a strong sense of community.
They also met with Fr. Elie Kurzum, Director of the Family Center in Galilee, and Mr. Bashir Mansour, the social worker, where they learned about the ongoing new effort aimed at supporting Christian families. A significant part of the day was dedicated to visiting the school and parish in Reneh under the guidance of Fr. Ibrahim Shomali, the parish priest. The visit concluded with a shared lunch with the local community, fostering a spirit of fellowship and further strengthening connections with the faithful.
Day 5: Humanitarian Efforts and Strategic Planning
The delegation dedicated this day to humanitarian outreach, visiting families in Jerusalem under the guidance of Mrs. Dima Khoury, Director of the Social Services department at LPJ. Witnessing the struggles of these families firsthand reinforced the importance of sustained humanitarian aid. A crucial discussion followed concerning the Vicariate of Migrants and Asylum Seekers, where Fr. Mathew Coutinho, the vicar, and Sr. Gabriele Penka elaborated on the pastoral care provided to the community in the Holy Land.
The delegation also held additional meetings with various departments of the Latin Patriarchate to assess ongoing and future projects and to refine strategic planning efforts. The day concluded with a virtual meeting with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, who provided an update on the situation in Gaza, highlighting the pressing need for sustained solidarity and support.
Day 6: Concluding the Visit
The delegation met with Msgr. William Shomali, the Patriarchal General Vicar, who expressed his gratitude for the commission’s dedication. They discussed future steps to further support the resilience of the Christian community in the Holy Land. Finally, in a closing session with the CEO, they summarized key points from their visit and outlined essential commitments for the future.
Looking to the Future: A Continued Commitment to the Holy Land
The continued visits of the Holy Land Delegation to the Latin Patriarchate and its parishes highlight the strong sense of solidarity and fraternity between the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre and the local Christian community. Their role in supporting the Christians of the Holy Land and ensuring their perseverance despite immense challenges remains invaluable. It is hoped that this visit, along with the profound spiritual and humanitarian experiences gained, will inspire many to further support the people of the Holy Land—the living stones who bear witness to Christ in the land where He lived, died, and rose again.
