Letter from the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches
The “pro Terra Sancta” Collection
Summary Report from the Custody of the Holy Land on projects and works funded by the 2024/2024 Collection
Letter from the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches
Dear Brother in the Episcopate,
Here I am to talk to you once again about the Holy Land.
I feel a strong sense of responsibility to address the Catholic Bishops of the world, in the name of the Holy Father, conveying the Church’s appeal in response to the cry of those who are suffering so much.
As I write to you, our hearts are lifted by the ceasefire in effect. We know that it is fragile and that, by its very nature, it will not be enough on its own to solve the problems and extinguish the hatred in that area. But at least our eyes no longer see explosions, perpetuating the anguish of the irreparable.
We have witnessed tears, despair and destruction everywhere. Now our hope is that the defeat inflicted by death will not be its eternal victory. And our hope is renewed in seeing the Risen One, Jesus Christ our Lord, who in that very land revealed the wounds of His passion, alive.
Today we feel that the words addressed by the Holy Father to the Christians who live in the Holy Places were not a pious wish, but a possible hope: “you, brothers and sisters in Christ who dwell in the lands of which the Scriptures speak most often, are a small, defenceless flock, thirsting for peace. Thank you for what you are, thank you for wanting to remain in your lands, thank you for being able to pray and love despite everything. You are a seed loved by God. Just as a seed, apparently pressed down by the earth that covers it, is always able to find its way upwards, towards the light, in order to bear fruit and give life, do not let yourselves be engulfed by the darkness that surrounds you. Planted in your sacred lands, become sprouts of hope, because the light of faith leads you to testify to love amid words of hatred, to encounter amid growing confrontation, to unity amid increasing hostility” (Letter to the Catholics of the Middle East, 7 October 2024).
Immediately, our duty – and I use this term with both trepidation and determination – comes to mind: to run, as soon as concretely possible, to help life to be reborn. To you, Brother Bishop, and to all those whom you animate in your ministry, God’s dramatic appeal is addressed: “‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O LordGod, you know.’Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of theLord.Thus says the LordGod to these bones: I will cause spirit to enter you, and you shall live’” (Ezek. 37:3-5). Everyone, starting with children, has the right to live in peace and to have homes and schools again, to play together without the fear of seeing the satanic grin of death again. It is true. For us Christians, the Holy Places have a special value; they are the incarnation of the Incarnation. From the very beginning, Christian communities of diverse traditions have safeguarded them and, for centuries, the Friars Minor of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land have cared for them with admirable fidelity.
Initiatives of great pastoral value have sprung up around those places: parishes, schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, and assistance centres for migrants, displaced persons and refugees. Precisely to help support all this, Pope Saint Paul VI instituted the Collection for the Holy Places, repeated annually on Good Friday or on another locally established date.
This year the Collection becomes an essential resource: after the pandemic, with the almost complete interruption of pilgrimages and the small economic activities that Christians in particular have created alongside them, many have been forced into exile. If we want to strengthen the Holy Land and ensure living contact with the Holy Places, we must sustain Christian communities that, in their various traditions, offer perennial praise to the God-with-us, also in our name. For this to happen, we absolutely need the generous support of your communities.
I would like you, Brother Bishops, to become persuasive apostles of this commitment, remembering the images of destruction and death that have passed before our eyes in these times of new Calvary. The Holy Land, the Holy Places, the Holy People of God are your family, because they are the heritage of all of us. I implore you to feel the Collection as one of your pastoral priorities: at stake is the survival of this precious presence of ours, which dates back directly to the time of Jesus. I am certain that you will transmitted your enthusiasm and your affectionate care to the communities entrusted to you.
Please avoid that promoting parallel collections for the same purpose, which would compromise the meaning and effectiveness of your charity, a universal initiative of the Successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome. The Commissariats of the Holy Land in your country can send what you collect directly to this Dicastery. We anticipate that no community will consider this “liturgy”, as it was called in ancient times, as something that is not its concern.
Pope Francis sends all of you his Blessing: God will not forget, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, those who have become witnesses of His Providence and instruments of His Peace. Our Christians of the Holy Land await you. Thank you and have a good Jubilee pilgrimage.
Claudio Card. Gugerotti
Prefect
✠ Michel Jalakh, OAM
Archbishop Secretary
The “pro Terra Sancta” Collection
DICASTERY FOR THE EASTERN CHURCHES
2024 A.D.
Introduction
The Collection “Pro Terra Sancta” was born out of the desire of the Popes to maintain a strong bond between the faithful across the world and the Holy Places. It is the main source of material support for Christian life in the Holy Land and a tool for the universal Church to express solidarity with the ecclesial communities of the Middle East. With the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Nobis in Animo’ (25 March 1974), Pope Saint Paul VI gave a significant impulse to supporting the Holy Land, which he had visited during his historic pilgrimage in 1964.
Through the funds traditionally collected on Good Friday, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is able to carry out its important mission: preserving the Sacred Places, the stones of memory, and promoting the Christian presence, the living stones, through its many pastoral, educational, welfare, health and social facilities.
As a rule, the Custody of the Holy Land receives 65% of the Collection, while the remaining 35% goes to the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, which sees to its distribution.
What follows is a report about the use and beneficiaries of the Collection.
Ordinary and Extraordinary Subsidies
The territories that the Sacred Scriptures mention in the narrative of salvation history, which benefit in different forms from the Collection, are Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. These countries face challenges of various natures and the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches intervenes to sustain the local communities, with particular attention to the life and activities of the Churches. An ordinary annual subsidy is given to all the Eastern and Latin eparchies of the aforementioned countries, with the exception of Ethiopia, where the Latin Church is placed under the care of the Dicastery for Evangelization. The contribution received allows the ecclesial realities to remain alive through the support of priests, religious, institutions, families and pastoral initiatives.
The Collection therefore represents concrete assistance to preserve the Christian presence in the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East, in contexts marked by social, economic and political difficulties.
Subsidies for Educational Activities
The Patriarchal Diocese of Jerusalem, the Franciscan Custody, the Eastern Churches of the Holy Land, and Religious Institutes are committed to the education of young people in the Holy Land, and, together with the Secretariat of Solidarity, are supported by the proceeds of the Collection. The war in Gaza, rising unemployment and lack of tourism have negatively affected the general economic situation of schools in Palestine. The Dicastery pays particular attention to emergencies and ensures that education continues uninterrupted and remains accessible to all students.
A prestigious institution that ensures academic formation is Bethlehem University. Almost 3,300 young people, Muslims and Christians, receive intellectual and human formation in the hope they will engage in building a country where mutual respect reigns and where human dignity is preserved. The commitment of the De La Salle Brothers in running the university is praiseworthy.
Academic, Spiritual and Human Formation of the Seminarians and Priests of the Churches under the Jurisdiction of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches
Thanks to the Collection, contributions can be made to seminaries, religious formation houses and cultural institutions in the territories of competence, supporting in different forms (scholarships, university fees and various other needs), even in Rome, young seminarians and priests, men and women religious and, depending on the funds available, some lay people.
Conclusion
The Holy Year began on 24 December 2024, when Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee of Hope by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
This time of grace is also an invitation to sow hope, especially for those who struggle to find it. Through incessant prayer and the commitment of people of good will, it is possible to offer concrete support: helping a family in difficulty, accompanying a child on the journey towards the future, ensuring assistance to refugees and displaced persons, supporting the formation of priests and religious, as well as contributing to the preservation of the Holy Places.
May this Jubilee Year be for all an occasion of renewal and solidarity, so that hope may shine above all in the hearts of those who need it most.
Summary Report from the Custody of the Holy Land on projects and works funded by the 2024/2024 Collection
Custody of the Holy Land
Order of Friars Minor
Summary Report 2023/2024
The Custody of the Holy Land has committed itself for many centuries in conserving and revitalising of the Holy Places of Christianity in the Land of Jesus and in the entire Middle East. Among the various objectives of the Franciscan mission are the support and development of the Christian minority which lives in these countries, the conservation and valorisation of the archaeological areas and sanctuaries, the intervention in cases of emergency, the liturgy in the places of cult, the apostolic works and the assistance of pilgrims. Also during 2023/2024 the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land has been manifested through the projection, programming and execution of the following projects and works:
X. Works in favour of pilgrims
XI. Works in favour of the local community
XII. Rhodes
XIII. Jordan
XIV. Syria
XV. Lebanon
XVI. Egypt
XVII. Italy
XVIII. Ordinary stipends and salaries of the Custody of the Holy Land
The works listed above have been realised thanks to various kinds of economic contributions, in the first place thanks to the Good Friday Collection, as well as through the fundraising activities of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL) and of the Association Pro Terra Sancta (PTS), but also through other private and institutional donators.
One year after the beginning of the war which is still wounding this land, the economic entries which come from the same region, from parishes, sanctuaries, pilgrims, etc., have been reduced to a minimum, and with this many other projects have had to be redimensioned, slowed down, suspended or cancelled, in order to try to give priority to those issues which directly touch persons in need. We have to face new challenges and also to reflect on how to proceed, while knowing that we are not alone if we let ourselves be guided by divine Providence.
WORKS IN FAVOUR OF PILGRIMS
Acre: building of the ex-kindergarten
§ Planning phase of the interventions of restructuring of the “Kindergarten” building, in view of making once more habitable the apartment in which the sisters who directed this work used to live.
Acre: friary of Saint Francis
§ Ongoing study for the interventions of restoration of the windows and façades in order to solve problems of infiltration of humidity.
§ Completion of works of extraordinary maintenance of the bell tower.
Ain Karem: Sanctuary of Saint John the Baptist
§ Completion of the works of security of the electrical system of the building, which comprises the friary, church and seminary. The electrical potency has been adjusted to the present needs of the building.
§ Completion of the works of restructuring of the friary kitchen.
§ Completion of the works of maintenance of the rooms of the seminary.
§ Still in the phase of planning are the works of excavation/restoration of the church.
Ain Karem: Casanova
§ Completion of the works of securing the electrical system of the Casanova for the welcoming of pilgrims. The electrical potency has been adjusted to the present needs of the building.
Ain Karem: Sanctuary of Saint John in the Desert
§ In course of realisation of the urgent interventions for the conservation of the sanctuary, on the basis of a masterplan that comprises the regulation of rain water in the area surrounding the friary.
§ Completion of the first interventions of the reparation of the principal water system.
§ Completion of the installation of the security frames of the windows of the convent of the sisters.
§ Ongoing study of the details for the renewal of the principal water system.
Ain Karem: Sanctuary of the Visitation
§ Completion of the works of installation of a new bell.
§ Continuing intervention of maintenance for the conservation of the sanctuary.
§ Continuing evaluation of the interventions of adjustment of the friary lift.
Beit Sahour: Sanctuary of the Shepherds Field
§ Definition of a masterplan of interventions for the conservation and the development of the site, which comprises new internal and external chapels, the restoration of the grotto of the shepherds, new lavatories and infrastructures.
§ Completion of the works of realisation of three of the five internal chapels for the celebrations of pilgrims (the Croatian, Spanish and Arabic chapels).
§ Completion of the works of realisation of the first among the external chapels (chapel of Guadalupe).
§ Completion of the essential works of adjusting of the areas surrounding the new chapels.
§ In course of evaluation is the implementation of the successive phases of the project, which foresee another two internal chapels, four external chapels, the renewal of the sacristy, the completion of the external arrangements, the restoration of the grotto, the layout of the archaeological zone in collaboration with the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology (PIAC) and the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (SBF).
Bethany: Sanctuary of the House of Martha, Mary and Lazarus
§ Completion of the restoration and evaluation of the Byzantine and Mediaeval remains of the friary of Bethany through the retrieval of the degraded areas.
§ Completion of the study for the renewal of the internal illumination of the church.
Bethlehem: Friary of Santa Caterina
§ In progress are the works for the changing of the friary lift in order to adjust it to security norms.
§ Completion of the works of installation of solar panels for the production of electricity.
Betehlehem: Boys Home
§ Completion of the reconstruction of 5 lavatories to serve the complex.
§ Completion of the proposal of arrangement of the garden of the property.
§ Completion of the preliminary proposal to convert the ex-convent of the Missionaries of Mary into a retreat house.
Bethlehem: Catholic Action
§ Continuation of the works of planning for the rehabilitation and valorisation of the centre of the Catholic Action in Bethlehem, an area covering 9.000 m2, open for the local community, and endowed with external and internal play spaces for children, with a recreational hall for elderly people, a hall for feasts, a cinema, a sports centre with gym and internal basket-ball court, outdoor swimming pool, etc.
§ Completion of the works of renewal of the flooring of the large square and with the relative facilities.
§ Completion of the maintenance works of the domestic water system and rehabilitation of the ancient cisterns.
§ Completion of the works of maintenance for the reactivation of the swimming pool.
§ Completion of the works on the roof of the basket-ball court in order to permit access and maintenance of security.
§ Ongoing works on the restructuring of the areas of the ground floor to dedicate them to recreational areas for children, to food courts and lavatories in order to guarantee the full functioning of the structure also during the winter months.
§ Planning of the maintenance of the roof of the basket-ball court, the restructuring of the gym, with the adjustment of the facilities and equipment.
Bethlehem: Casanova
§ Completion of the works of substitution of the electricity generator to guarantee the functionality of the structure also during the frequent blackouts of the area.
Capernahum: Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Promise
§ Phase of completion of the renewal of the system of security cameras.
§ Phase of evaluation of the interventions on the drainage of rainwater for the preservation of the archaeological areas.
Cana: Friary of the First Miracle
§ Completion of the working of construction of the new building destined for the school. The complex comprises the parish centre and a covered parking lot for a total area of 5.000m2. Planning of the final phases of the connection to the electricity service and testing of the systems.
§ Completion of the works of renewal of the automation of the church bells.
Emmaus Qubeibeh: Sanctuary of Saints Simon and Cleophas
§ Completion of the works of extraordinary maintenance of the roof structures in view of waterproofing of the church.
§ Completion of the maintenance works on the roofs of the friary.
§ Planning phase for the interventions of restructuring of some sections of the ex-seminary.
Jericho: Site of the Baptism of Christ on the River Jordan
§ Continuation of the interventions of conservation of the property following upon the mine clearance of the area.
§ Realisation of a master plan of interventions for the valorisation and development of the site.
§ Beginning of the procedure for the permits in view of the building of lavatories for pilgrims and of the adjustment of the rooms beneath the church in order to become a chapel for celebrations.
Jericho: Friary of the Good Shepherd
§ Completion of the realisation of works of art on the outside of the church which present the figure of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Jerusalem: Ad-Coenaculum
§ Interventions of ordinary maintenance of the friary.
§ Installation of a new system of production of hot domestic water.
Jerusalem: basilica of Gethsemane
§ Completion of the structural works for the realisation of a tunnel as a pedestrian walkway to link the area of the basilica with the Kidron Valley for groups of pilgrims. To carry out the plastering of the same tunnel and the lifts for disabled and elderly visitors.
§ Completion of the structural works of the centre for services to pilgrims to the Kidron Valley. To carry out all the external and internal plastering and the furnishing of the chapel, halls, lavatories and rooms.
§ Completion of the works of renewal of the internal illumination of the Grotto of the Apostles, the updating of the furnishings and the substitution of the skylight.
§ Completion of the works of securing the perimeter of the property of the Kidron Valley.
Jerusalem: Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre
§ Ongoing works of restoration of the floor of the Basilica, in agreement with the Greeks and Armenians, and in collaboration with the University La Sapienza (Rome) and the Centro di Restauri di Veneria (TO).
Jerusalem: Friary of the Holy Sepulchre
§ Completion of the restructuring of the second floor of the friary in order to make a bathroom for each room.
§ Ongoing completion of the building of the third floor in order to increase the number of rooms.
§ Ongoing completion of the restoration of the parlour.
§ Ongoing programming of the interventions of restructuring of the first floor of the friary.
§ Phase of completion of the interventions of adjusting the electrical system and the adoption of air-conditioning systems and a highly efficient domestic hot water system.
Jerusalem: Parish Centre of the Old City
§ Phase of starting the works of restructuring of the youth centre in order to adjust it to present needs.
Jerusalem: Christian Information Center
§ Phase of starting works of maintenance on the roofs.
Jerusalem: Christian Media Center
§ Works of updating of hardware and software systems.
Jerusalem: Friary of Terra Santa College
§ Completion of the study regarding the structural feasibility for the realisation of new rooms in the western wing of the second floor of the building.
§ Ongoing planning of the urgent interventions for the structural repairs of the third floor of the western wing of the building.
Jerusalem: Saint Saviour Monastery
Offices of the Custody
§ Ongoing reorganisation of the custodial offices in the Economato, Legal Office, Technical Office and IT, and the FFHL office.
Friary
§ Completion of the works of restructuring/maintenance of some rooms of the friars.
§ Completion of the works of maintenance of some rooms of the guest quarters.
§ Completion of the works of substitution of the lift of the friary.
§ Completion of the interventions of maintenance for the water-proofing of the roofs.
§ Ongoing planning of the interventions of restructuring of the roof of the Church, of the Mother of Pearl Hall and of the convent of the sisters.
§ Ongoing adoption of a system of measuring/monitoring electrical consumption.
Infirmary
§ Completion of works of internal maintenance of the rooms.
Laundry
§ Renewal of laundry machines, with more modern, trustworthy and efficient ones.
§ Ongoing completion of an adoption of an automatic system of dispensing soap, in order to improve the quality of washing and optimise consumption.
Jerusalem: ex-Siniora buildings
§ Ongoing study for the rehabilitation/valorisation of the buildings along New Gate Street.
Jerusalem: Maria Bambina, house of welcome for pilgrims
§ Completion of a masterplan of interventions for the improvement of welcoming pilgrims.
§ Completion of the interventions of securing the electrical system.
§ Completion of the works of essential maintenance of the rooms in view of launching the works of renewal foreseen in the masterplan.
Jerusalem: Casanova
§ Completion of the renewal of furnishings for 40 bedrooms.
Jerusalem: Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit
§ Completion of the definition of a master plan of interventions for the improvement of the welcoming of pilgrims and visitors to the sanctuary.
Jerusalem: Terra Santa Museum
§ Ongoing completion of a modern museum centre for the valorisation of artistic, archaeological, historical and cultural Franciscan patrimony. The area of roughly 2500m2 will comprise:
- An Archaeological Museum: The Places of the Bible in Palestine (Friary of the Flagellation)
- A Historical Museum: The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land (St. Saviour Monastery)
§ Completion of the interventions of structural consolidation and of finishing touches to the installations of the buildings in order to conclude the works on the museum space in the Sanctuary of the Flagellation. Completion of the furnishings of the first additional rooms.
§ Ongoing completion of the works of structural consolidation of the museum space in Saint Saviour Monastery.
§ Advanced state of programming of installations, finishing touches and furnishings of the museum area in Saint Saviour Monastery.
Jerusalem: Friary of the Flagellation
§ Completion of the works of lightening and water-proofing of the roof on the eastern wing of the building.
Jerusalem: Friary of San Francesco Ad Coenaculum
§ Completion of various interventions of internal and external maintenance in order to conserve the building.
Jerusalem: Dar al Consul/Moussa Afendi
§ Valorisation of the building of Dar al Consul in the Old City (roughly 1200m2) with the predisposition and maintenance of the areas for pilgrims and for cultural activities on a local level.
§ Continuation of the project of collaboration between the Music Institute Magnificat and the Andrea Boccelli Foundation (ABF) for the foundation of a new choir in Jerusalem.
§ Dar al Consul is always open for visits by pilgrims and is available for exhibitions and cultural events.
Jerusalem: Sanctuary of Bethfage
§ Ongoing study for resolving the problems of humidity on the frescoed rock of the church.
Jerusalem: Friary of St. James Beit Hanina
§ Completion of the works of improvement of the large square and of the playground of the parish centre.
§ Planning to start some interventions of maintenance to the friary.
§ Planning to evaluate the installation of a new lift in the building.
Jaffa: Friary of Saint Peter Apostle
§ Ongoing phase of study for the renovation of the façades of the building which suffer damages from the aggressive action of sea-spray.
§ Ongoing phase of study for the interventions of structural renovation and repairing of the bell tower.
§ Ongoing phase of study for the works of extraordinary maintenance in the bells of the church, to realise after the interventions on the bell tower are concluded.
Jaffa: Friary of Saint Anthony
§ Completion of the works of general maintenance of the church and friary.
Magdala:
§ Installation of altars for celebrations by groups of pilgrims.
§ Ongoing study for the realisation of a parking lot for buses in agreement with the Municipality.
Mount Tabor: Basilica of the Transfiguration
§ Completion of works of restructuring of part of the Casa Nova, planned to become a small convent for the sisters who will collaborate in the welcoming of pilgrims.
§ Completion of interventions of maintenance of the terrace roof which links the Church to the sacristy.
§ Ongoing study for the recovery of areas as lodgings for volunteers who come to offer service in favour of pilgrims.
§ Ongoing study for the upgrading of the capacity of electrical power supply on the art of the public electrical firm.
§ Ongoing evaluation of the construction of a new and more efficient adduction system of water which responds to contemporary needs. The present pumping station goes back to the 1960s, and in case of a breakdown it would leave the whole complex of Mount Tabor without a supply of drinking water.
Mujeidel: Friary of Saint Gabriel the Archangel
§ Ongoing study for the renewal of the external buildings which are currently in disuse.
§ Ongoing programming for once more taking over the use of the secondary entrance to the property.
Nain: Sanctuary of the resurrection of the widow’s son
§ Ongoing realisation of the completion of the perimeter wall of the property.
§ Ongoing study for the construction of lavatories for pilgrims.
Nazareth: Basilica of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin
§ Completion of the works of consolidation and renewal of concrete structures which have been damaged by humidity in the upper large square of the basilica.
§ Completion of the works of consolidation and renewal of concrete structures in the portico of the inferior large square of the basilica.
§ Ongoing study of the feasibility for the restructuring of the ground floor of the friary.
Nazareth: Casanova
§ Ongoing study of the feasibility for the adjusting of the building of the old “Azione Cattolica” as additional lodgings for Casa Nova.
Nazareth: elderly people home
§ Completion of the works of reconstruction of part of the perimeter wall enclosing the property.
Nazareth: Mary of Nazareth Centre
§ Ongoing study for the division and rationalisation of the spaces.
Tabgha: Friary of the Primacy of Saint Peter
§ Ongoing works of reparation/completion of the perimeter wall of the property.
§ Phase of completion of the programming for the internal restructuring of the friary.
NB: In the realisation of these works, although having to face a factor of complication in view of the permits which have to be requested, we have preferred the employment of a work force coming from the West Bank in order to offer work for Christians living in a territory which does not benefit from social welfare or from social security, and who in these last years, owing to the situation of conflict and various lockdowns, would have remained totally deprived of economic resources.
Ulterior complications have arisen during the recent conflict, which has brought periods of total closure of checkpoints after the beginning of the hostilities, first for a period of nearly two months, and then intermittently. Wherever possible, the workers have been employed in the sanctuaries and in the friaries of the West Bank.
WORKS IN FAVOUR OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Boys Home in Bethlehem
Home for 29 boys coming from families facing social difficulties
§ 11 boys welcomed on a 24 hour basis
§ 19 boys welcomed during the day
University scholarships
Financing of 544 university study scholarships for a period of 4 years, distributed in different universities (Bethlehem, Hebrew University, Bir Zeit, Amman).
§ 300 scholarships financed by the Custodial Economato
§ 244 scholarships financed through the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL)
Aid for families
In Bethlehem and in Jerusalem, on various occasions, financial aid has been provided in order to meet the health expenses of families, as well as for the purchase of daily basic necessities. This is done through the parishes.
Terra Santa Schools
§ Acre – Terra Santa School
§ Bethlehem - Saint Joseph School
§ Bethlehem - Terra Santa School
- Completion of works of internal maintenance of halls and corridors.
- Completion of works of restructuring of lavatories in the external courtyard.
- Completion of the works of waterproofing of the roof of the kindergarten.
§ Cana – First Miracle Complex
- Completion of works for the building of the new school. Ongoing process for the issuing of certifications.
§ Jerusalem - Saint Joseph School (Jaffa Gate)
§ Jerusalem - Terra Sancta School (Damascus Gate)
- Completion of the works of restructuring of the auditorium.
§ Jerusalem - Hellen Keller School (Beit Hanina)
§ Jericho - Terra Sancta School
§ Haifa - Elementary School
§ Nazareth - Terra Sancta School
§ Ramleh - Terra Sancta School
§ Jordan – Amman -Terra Santa School
§ Cyprus – Nicosia - Terra Santa School
Apartments for persons in need and young couples
The Custody of the Holy Land has in property a numerous number of houses, which are rented out to their tenants with a symbolic sum. In general, these are found in overcrowded areas, where different family groups often live together in small apartments. Each year the Custody intervenes to improve the conditions in these houses, while at the same time it tries to build other houses in order to support the local community.
Here follow the houses in which works have been carried out in 2023-2024:
- partial and complete restructuring of houses found in most precarious conditions.
- extraordinary maintenance and interventions of emergency in numerous houses.
§ Jerusalem – Old City
426 apartments in the Old City, with an average dimension that does not go beyond 60m2.
§ Jerusalem – Beit Hanina – St. James Housing Project
42 apartments divided in 3 floors and 6 blocks.
§ Jerusalem – Bethfage – St. Francis Village
90 apartments divided in 4 floors and 10 blocks.
§ Bethlehem – Jesus the Child Housing Project
24 apartments divided in 6 floors and 2 blocks.
§ Bethlehem – St Catherine Housing Project
24 apartments divided in 6 floors and 2 blocks.
§ Bethlehem – St Francis Housing Project
20 apartments divided in 10 floors of the edifice.
§ Ram – St. Antony Housing Project
12 apartments divided in 6 floors of the edifice.
§ Ram – St. Paul Housing Project
10 apartments divided in 5 floors of the edifice.
Cultural Works
§ STUDIUM BIBLICUM FRANCISCANUM (SBF) – JERUSALEM
- Every year the Custody of the Holy Land offers economic support to the Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of Jerusalem.
- Formation of 64 students in biblical sciences at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, coming from various areas of the world and from poor religious provinces and dioceses, to whom the Custody guarantees food and lodging and a scholarship. They will be destined for teaching Holy Scripture in various countries in the world. At this point in time there are 36 students for the Masters’ degree, 11 for the Doctorate, 4 for the Diploma in Biblical Formation, 2 extraordinary students and 11 audit students.
§ CHRISTIAN MEDIA CENTER (CMC) – JERUSALEM/NAZARETH
The services offered comprise:
- Website.
- Terra Santa News, a weekly news bulletin on faith, history and contemporary events in the Holy Land; transmitted by roughly 35 broadcasting institutions in 10 languages.
- Documentaries on social and religious themes.
- Live-streaming of liturgical celebrations and events.
§ INSTITUTE OF MUSIC MAGNIFICAT – JERUSALEM
- The Magnificat Institute is affiliated to the Conservatory of Vicenza. The Magnificat promotes activities of research and cultural manifestations on the local and international level.
- It welcomes around 240 Christian, Muslim and Jewish students, under the direction of around 30 teachers, who are also Jewish, Christian and Muslim.
§ WELCOMING OF YOUNG SEMINARIANS – JERUSALEM
- Welcoming in the Franciscan International Seminary of Saint Saviour in Jerusalem.
- Welcoming in the Seminary of Ain Karem.
§ FORMATION OF YOUNG SEMINARIANS – JERUSALEM
- Theological formation at the Studium Theologicum Jerosolymitanum (STJ) of around 46 young friars coming from various Provinces of the Order of Friars Minor.
- Formation of around 84 young men from aspirants to higher studies.
§ SUPPORT TO THE LATIN PARISH OF JERUSALEM
Support to poor families in situations of socio-economic difficulties through the covering of rent costs, costs for medical operations and medicines of various kinds, especially for those families who are also taking care of members who are elderly and who are disabled and not self-sufficient.
Beneficiaries reached: around 50 persons, through the covering of costs for studies, medical care and rent.
§ SUPPORT TO THE LATIN PARISH OF BETHLEHEM
Support to poor families in situations of socio-economic difficulty through the covering of costs of rent, costs for medical operations, medicines and other necessities, especially for those families who are also taking care of members who are elderly and who are disabled and not self-sufficient.
The Arab Catholic Scout Group for the purchase of new uniforms.
Beneficiaries reached: around 80 persons, through the covering of costs for studies, medical care and rent.
§ TERRA SANCTA MUSEUM: HERITAGE EDUCATION HUB FOR PALESTINIAN YOUTH - JERUSALEM
In September 2024 the second phase of this project was launched, with the aim of continuing to expand the educational and cultural activities linked with the archaeological collection of the Terra Sancta Museum and addressed to the students of the schools of East Jerusalem, to families and to the entire local Palestinian Christian population. The project includes activities realised not only in the spaces of the archaeological section of the Terra Sancta Museum, but also in the premises of Dar El-Consul and Musa Efendi.
Beneficiaries reached: 180 infants and children of East Jerusalem benefit from the socio-educational activities and on the cultural patrimony.
§ PSS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS - JERUSALEM
In collaboration with the Sparfford Children’s Center we have discovered the necessity to activate an integrated programme of protection of treatment of trauma; it includes a psycho-social support and management of anger and stress for children, young people and parents. Sessions for treating trauma and handling of anger and stress have been realised within the centre and in the ambit of some schools of East Jerusalem. Summer camps have also been organised.
Beneficiaries reached: Around 400 children and around 250 persons among adults, caregivers and staff.
§ SUPPORT TO MAGNIFICAT INSTITUTE OF MUSIC OF JERUSALEM
Support to the activities of Magnificat, offering the possibility to frequent courses and lessons also in the most vulnerable and less well-off strata of the population of Jerusalem, financing the distribution of scholarships.
Beneficiaries reached: Around 190 children.
§ SUPPORT TO THE CONVENT OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL OF JERUSALEM
In 2019 some areas which lay abandoned in the interior of the Convent were restored, and the Dar Mamilla Guesthouse opened, with the objective not only of hosting visitors from all over the world, but also to help in the work of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Also for 2024, a part of the entries of Dar Mamilla Guesthouse has been devolved to support their activities.
Beneficiaries reaches: around 200 children from three months to four years of age.
Around 30 persons with physical disabilities and/or psychic disorders.
4 sisters and 74 members of the staff of the Convent of Saint Vincent de Paul.
§ SUPPORT TO THE GREEK CATHOLIC ANNUNCIATION SOCIETY OF JERUSALEM
Support of the centre, through the realisation of a summer programme dedicated to children/and to strengthen and enrich their abilities and competences, in a healthy and secure environment which favours learning, personal growth and the sense of responsibility towards the community. The educational activities aimed at children have as their objective the development of their practical abilities, the strengthening of their creativity and imagination, the promotion of their communication, collaboration and working as a group, through the realisation of specific laboratories.
Beneficiaries reached: around 50 children and their respective families.
§ SUPPORT TO SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL - JERUSALEM
Financial support of St. Joseph Hospital in order to acquire 53 wheel-chairs for patients in the hospital. The Saint Joseph Hospital is the only Catholic hospital of East Jerusalem; it serves around 50.000 persons every year, coming from the population of East Jerusalem, from the West Bank and, in the most serious cases, also from Gaza.
Beneficiaries reached: around 1.500 patients every month who can make use of the wheel-chairs.
§ SUPPORT TO SAINT LOUIS FRENCH HOSPITAL OF JERUSALEM
A contribution for the installation of a new lift in the hospital. Thanks to this it is possible to transport with greater ease stretchers and patients in wheel-chairs. The hospital is specialised in the offering of palliative care to terminal patients with a total capacity of 57 beds, subdivided between the geriatric ward; the complicated geriatric ward; and the oncology ward. The hospital also offers treatment to HIV patients.
Beneficiaries reached: 55 patients.
§ SUPPORT TO THE JERUSALEM AFRICAN COMMUNITY CENTER (JACC)
Support to the activity of JACC, a centre which assists around 3.000 asylum seekers coming from Eritrea, Sudan and Ethiopia, among whom many families with children, who live in Jerusalem. The centre takes care of activities of legal and psychological support, as well as courses of formation and distribution of basic necessities for the families most in need.
Beneficiaries reached: around 3.000 members of the community, principally women and children. Around 7 members of the staff and around 100 volunteers and external collaborators.
SUPPORT TO THE FRANCISCAN FRIARY OF SAINT JOHN - AIN KARIM
This project has provided for the refurbishment of the kitchen of the Friary of Saint John, which was found to be in a state of serious need. The kitchen is part of the friary complex, which goes back to 1670, and therefore it necessitated urgent interventions in order to make it respond to legal norms and render it secure and efficient. The project has been concluded and the works for the kitchen and its installations have been terminated.
Beneficiaries reached: around 30 residents of the Friary of Saint John in Ain Karem.
§ PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND INCLUSIVITY – JERICHO, SEBASTIA, BETHLEHEM
The project has been realised in partnership with the Mosaic Centre and the Association Tamer Institute for Community Education (with headquarters in Ramallah) in the towns of Bethlehem, Jericho, and in the village of Sebastia. It aims at contributing to the sustainable development of the communities in the Palestinian territories, through awareness of the Palestinian civil society on themes relating to environmental sustainability and inclusivity. In particular, we mention the ongoing implementation of two areas of environmental and cultural education aimed at young people and children in Jericho and Sebastia, as well as various courses of formation carried out by the staff of the Mosaic Centre of Bethlehem, which include two mosaic artists who are impaired in speech and hearing. They have received the services of an expert trainer in order to help them become autonomous in carrying out activities of art-therapy aimed at persons with disability; a course in design in order to improve their artistic competences and a course of LIS in order to improve the communication of the staff of the Mosaic Centre. Other activities foresee the installation of solar panels on the guesthouse of ProTS and on the premises of the Mosaic Centre, in order to improve the economic efficiency, the environmental impact and the accessibility to persons with disability.
Beneficiaries reached: at least 25 persons with disability from the Governorate of Bethlehem.
At least 150 children from Jericho and Sebastia.
§ SPORTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - SEBASTIA
The community of Sebastia, especially the younger age group of the population, continues to live a situation of extreme uncertainty and vulnerability as a result of the current war in Gaza and the increasing violence of Israeli settlers who live in colonies around the village. In this context, we have offered to young people the possibility to dedicate themselves to recreational and educational activities, in order to continue hoping in a future in which dialogue and coexistence would still be possible. The project has been realised from May to December 2024, in partnership with the Mosaic Centre, and it has been organised a course of football training with the preparation of young people who can participate in sports competitions.
Beneficiaries reached: around 70 young people from the villages of Sebastia, Nisf Jubeil and surroundings.
§ HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP - BETHANY
The project foresees the formation and conservation of cultural patrimony, to serve academic institutions and Palestinian communities: it is financed by the Cooperazione Italiana (AICS), in partnership with the Mosaic Centre, Al Quds University, the Università degli Studi di Palermo and the Università di Torino. The project has the objective of contributing to the protection and safeguarding of the cultural patrimony of Bethany in order to favour inclusive social and economic development which promotes culture, sustainable tourism and the local products.
Beneficiaries reaches: around 250 children from Bethany who are involved in educational activities (guided visits and artistic workshops) and in experimental archaeology.
Around 170 young people from Bethany and surroundings, involved in guided tours.
33 students from Al Quds University have participated in specific formation, 7 have enrolled in a new doctoral course for technicians/restorers.
Around 10 workers from Bethany have been involved in the activity of restoration.
60 young people and women have participated in a workshop on the production of perfumed candles, while 4 women from Bethany have started to produce the candles.
6 Beduin women from the community of Jabal al Baba have been involved in the cultivation of za’atar and lavender in a portion of rehabilitated land.
§ SUPPORT TO THE HOGAR NIÑO DIOS OF BETHLEHEM
In collaboration with the religious of the Incarnate Word we have just concluded a project for the security of the new house in which the eldest guests will be transferred and welcomed, and a project for installing solar panels. Within the context of the project of orientation to work the figure of a hydro-therapist has also been included. Besides, Pro TS has offered the services of a volunteer in favour of this initiative for a further period of 9 months.
Beneficiaries reached: 38 children with disability from 2 to 18 years.
§ SUPPORT TO THE CHARITABLE SOCIETY ANTONIANA AND TO THE SISTERS OF “HORTUS CONCLUSUS” OF BETHLEHEM
The collaboration consists in carrying out works of restructuring and improvement of the institutes, support to the staff through training, providing medicines and instruments of work, and supporting current expenditures. In this situation of emergency, the Day Centre has been revived, thanks to which around 33 elderly persons (not only those residing in the Società Antoniana) have the possibility to receive a hot meal and to participate in aggregative activities. The Sisters of Hortus Conclusus also administer a kindergarten at Artas, always in the Governorate of Bethlehem, to which have been donated equipment and didactic material. In the convent an educational farm has also been realised.
Beneficiaries reached: 33 elderly persons who live alone, of whom 28 are women.
17 children who attend the kindergarten and the educational farm.
§ SUPPORT TO THE BOYS HOME OF BETHLEHEM
From Dar al Majus a course of Italian and Spanish languages has been organised for the kids of the Boys Home, together with activities of psycho-social support in order to face the continual traumas to which these children are exposed. From this year the activities of psychological support have also been aimed at the social workers and the families of the children.
Beneficiaries reached: 24 children from 8 to 17 years who are orphans or come from families who live in social disadvantage, or have problems of dependency and/or violence; 20 families; 8 caregivers and social workers.
§ SUPPORT TO THE EFFETÀ INSTITUTE OF BETHLEHEM FOR DEAF CHILDREN
Support of a school with the participation of the payment of some school-fees for some children coming from the poorest villages and with the support for the acquisition of spare parts and hearing aids. The majority of the students, in fact, cannot cover the cost of the annual fees, even though these are very low. A new project for the formation of how to handle trauma has been organised for families and teachers.
Beneficiaries reached: 200 students with hearing impairment from 2 to 18 years have access to a medical clinic equipped for their needs
4 children from 9 to 14 years have received a scholarship
50 families of the students
40 persons between caregivers and teachers.
§ SUPPORT TO THE CATHOLIC ACTION OF BETHLEHEM
Contribution to the rehabilitation of the roof of the basket-ball court and the other aggregate internal halls of the Catholic Action. Besides, the Catholic Action is also supported through a programme of orientation for work.
§ SUPPORT TO SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL WORKS - BETHLEHEM
Through distance support we guarantee the teaching of some children who attend the Terra Santa Schools (Saint Joseph and Terra Sancta College), Rosary Sisters and SIRA School.
Moreover, some families have received support for paying school fees or university fees. Educational activities on the cultural patrimony have been organised in three secondary schools in Bethlehem and in three secondary schools in Hebron aimed at a total of 12 classes. In the village of Artas an Educational Farm has been realised within the Convent of the Sisters of Hortus Conclusus.
Beneficiaries reached: 250 children aged between 3 and 17 years have been supported in the continuation of their studies.
205 students of the secondary schools of Hebron have benefited from two meetings in the class and a guided visit.
160 students of the secondary schools of Bethlehem have benefited from two meetings in the class and a guided visit.
17 children of Artas and Al Khader carry out educational activities within the educational farm.
§ SUPPORT TO THE ASSOCIATION “CI MUOVIAMO SULLA VIA DELLA CARITÀ” OF BETHLEHEM
Clothes, goods of basic necessities and hygienic products (like diapers, absorbents and products for personal care) have been acquired and sent, together with sacks of rice and flour.
Beneficiaries reached: around 150 families have been helped and supported within the refugee camps of Gaza.
§ CENTRE FOR COUNSELLING AND EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION - BETHLEHEM
In Bethlehem a centre for counselling and employment orientation has been activated in order to provide medical assistance (access to basic medical care, operations and hospitalisation and specific medical treatments) as well as social assistance to the most vulnerable population of the area in collaboration with other organisations which form part of its network. The counselling centre employs a senior and a junior social assistant, and the requests for assistance are evaluated every month by an ad hoccommittee in which a member who is outside the organisation takes part.
Beneficiaries reached: 44 persons have been welcomed at the counselling centre and their cases have been handled by the personnel of ProTS and have been referred to other organisations in the same network.
200 persons have benefited from support for medical or social assistance.
25 young people have participated in a vocational training, and 27 young people have been supported through the programme of work orientation, in collaboration with 15 religious institutions as well as small and medium businesses.
15 young people have benefited from activities of psychological support in a group through the theatre.
6 religious institutions have been supported (Scouts, Elderly Centre of Beit Jala, etc.).
§ EMERGENCY HOUSES AND WATER - BETHLEHEM
Through the counselling centre are welcomed requests for interventions of rehabilitation of dwellings which are damaged or unhealthy, as well as requests for installing water tanks and solar panels.
Beneficiaries reached: 16 families have benefited from interventions of restructuring and consolidation of their houses.
64 families have benefited from the installation of water tanks and solar panels.
72 families have been visited by our staff since they have made recourse to the counselling centre for the first time.
§ SOCIO-ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES - BETLEMME
In Bethlehem there are two Guesthouses (Dar al Majus and Dar Essideh) both in the historical centre. Besides, a bazaar for fair trade and solidarity has been activated, which operates within a network of 30 producers who are mainly organisations which guarantee work to vulnerable women or persons with disability problems.
Beneficiaries reached: 34 micro-entrepreneurial realities and institutions have been supported by the selling of their products.
§ DAMJ CREATIVE LAB - BETHLEHEM
In the old offices a creative laboratory has been founded which supports some small entrepreneurial realities in the development of products and of the identity of brands and logos. Besides, it also supports institutions and works which want to develop production in order to favour sustainability.
Beneficiaries reached: 9 institutions have been supported in the development of their business and new products (for example, Effetà).
6 women from Gaza have been supported in developing their own line of products.
2 artists from Gaza have organised workshops aimed at the producers of the Bazaar, to which around 30 persons have participated (in embroidery and the art of calligraphy).
§ DAR AL MAJUS COMMUNITY CENTRE - BETHLEHEM
At Dar Al Majus and in collaboration with other social realities are organised cultural activities of various kinds aimed at the community of Bethlehem: literary reviews, laboratories of writing, concert, kitchen workshops, theatre performance, etc.
Beneficiaries reached: around 670 members of the local community who have taken part in the activities and cultural events.
Around 256 children who have taken part in cultural activities and workshops.
20 organisations and artists who are partners to the events and to the activities which are organised (for example, Bethlehem Academy of Music, Bab Eddir Gallery, OpenMic, Alliance Française, Diyar Theatre group, Willy Brandt Centre, Mosaic Centre, SOS Children’s Village, Piccirillo Centre, etc.).
§ TEACHING OF ITALIAN AND LATIN TO SEMINARIANS AND FRIAR ASPIRANTS - BETHLEHEM
Some volunteers are available for the teaching of Italian and Latin to some seminarians of the Seminary of Beit Jala and to some friar aspirants of the Custody.
Beneficiaries reached: 6 seminarians; 6 friar aspirants.
§ SUPPORT TO THE LATIN PARISH IN GAZA
Support to the Latin parish in Gaza City by offering concrete help for parish activities and the needs of the community.
Beneficiaries reached: 135 persons who make part of the community of the Latin Parish of Gaza
600 homeless persons within the Parish since the beginning of the war.
§ SUPPORT TO THE ASSOCIATION “ATFA-LUNA” OF GAZA
In collaboration with the Association “Atfa-Luna” of Gaza some activities of PSS support are being aimed at around 1.000 children and 300 adults, including children with disability issues, in two informal refugee camps in Gaza: in Rafah and in Deir Al-Balah, through sessions of sensitisation of distribution of emergency kits for around 1.000 persons and through social aid to around 180 families with persons suffering from disability problems. Besides, the association is also being available in activating some temporary learning points within the refugee camps with the objective of guaranteeing an inclusive education to 100 kids with or without issues of disability.
Beneficiaries reached: around 1.000 children and 300 adults.
§ COLLABORATION WITH THE CARITAS OF JERUSALEM IN GAZA
Through the “Gaza Emergency Apeal 2024”, launched in the beginning of 2024, help has been provided through:
ü Distribution of food and basic necessities, through direct channels in corridors and direct acquisitions in Gaza.
ü Distribution of Multiple Purchase Cash Assistance (MPCA).
ü Distribution of essential medicines and programmes of sensitisation.
Besides, ProTS has collaborated in the project “Humanitarian Aid for vulnerable people in the Gaza Strip protecting historical, archaeological, cultural and religious heritage in danger.” The collaboration has had as its objective the economic support for the coming 6 months of 35 individuals who are dedicating themselves to the protection and safeguarding of the cultural, historical, archaeological and religious patrimony of the Gaza Strip.
Beneficiaries reached: 100 families of Gaza.
35 individuals with their respective families coming from the cultural sector and dislocated in the entire Gaza Strip.
§ SUPPORT TO TERRA SANCTA COLLEGE OF NAZARETH
The Israeli Ministry of Education has established that all schools should have a secure bunker to protect all the students, teachers and employees of the school. Unfortunately, the bunker of Terra Sancta College in Nazareth did not qualify to satisfy the security norms and the students cannot attend the school, but have to follow lessons online. A decision has been taken to give financial support to Terra Sancta College to be able to shoulder the expenses of making the bunker in line with the new security norms.
Beneficiaries reached: around 600 children and 40 members of the staff.
§ SUPPORT TO THE ANNUNCIATION BASILICA OF NAZARETH
The project foresees a technical intervention of structural consolidation of the inferior portico.
Beneficiaries reached: 13 residents of the Friary and all the Christian population of the town of Nazareth.
- GREECE
• Support to fugitives and refugees – Rhodes
Distribution of basic necessities (food and medicines) to the refugees coming from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Beneficiaries reached: around 800 packs distributed each week.
A total of roughly 2.000 families have been assisted during the year.
- JORDAN
• Education and primary assistance – Amman, Anjara
Realisation of educational activities aimed at favouring the access of children coming from vulnerable families to acquire quality education in various geographical areas of the country, through the covering of the cost of school fees, transport costs and the providing of stationery.
Finally, we have reached the number of 50 vulnerable families, through the cooperation with the Ministry for Social Development, by realising activities of cash assistance.
Beneficiaries reached:
260 students from 4 to 18 years, through the cooperation with 30 schools and institutions in various geographical areas of the country;
50 poor families supported with social assistance.
• Support of educational initiatives – Amman, Anjar
The educational activities have been realised through the support of a network of institutions and schools present in the country, in particular:
ü Franciscans: Terra Sancta College and the school of the Franciscan Sisters of Amman have been destined for support.
ü The Greek-Catholic Melkite Vicariate of Amman: 9 schools, among which those administered by the Melkite Sisters;
ü Latin Patriarchate in Amman: 10 schools have benefited from this opportunity;
ü Hopes Fund: 6 schools have been reached (Latin, Greek-Catholic and Mar Yousef);
ü Latin School of Marka: a number of Iraqi children (refugees) have benefited from this support.
ü Besides, ProTS has supported the mission of the Sisters of Anjara of the House “Mary Our Lady of the Mountain”, covering the costs of remedial lessons in various subjects for children who are living in this institution.
• Heritage Education Program – Amman, Madaba, Irbid
Description of the Project
A project has been launched, having as its objective the promotion and care of the Jordanian cultural patrimony, with particular attention to the monuments and archaeological sites pertaining to Christian culture, through the involvement of schools and local institutions, such as Al Yarmouk University and the Jordan Museum of Amman.
Within the context of the project, a Programme for Education to the Patrimony has been structured and is destined for local schools and families.
Beneficiaries reached:
2 male students and 6 female students formed in the subjects connected with the restoration of cultural patrimony, through the cooperation with local institutions;
12 students of Terra Sancta College of Amman have participated in guided visits dedicated to the cultural patrimony.
- LEBANON
• Centre for assistance and development - Beirut
The social/emergency centre of ProTS has the objective to help poor Lebanese families coming from the city of Beirut and its suburbs, from Harissa, Tyre, Tripoli, Deir Mimas, Adonis, in coordination with the local Franciscan friars.
Beneficiaries reached: 1.200 beneficiaries reached in the distribution of basic necessities (hygienic kits and food).
1.240 children and 330 elderly people have been supported through the distribution of powdered milk and diapers.
400 persons have been helped with medicines and covering of medical expenses.
270 scholarships for needy students in the area of Beirut and Harissa.
21 families each month have been supported through the covering of costs of rent and electricity (for the functioning of generators).
• Franciscan Care Centre - Beirut
The centre for art therapy for psychological rehabilitation is aimed at children, and works under the name Franciscan Care Centre. It functions also in Beirut, in the centre of PTS Lebanon at Gemmaizeh, where there are courses of art therapy and music therapy, individual PSS, psychomotor support.
Beneficiaries reached
120 children, young people and elderly persons participate in the activities proposed.
8 local specialised persons are involved (educators, teachers, psychologists, trainers, artists).
• WIP – Work in Progress – Development of enterprises - Beirut
Selection, formation and support to young Lebanese with ideas linked to enterprise and business, with accompaniment and formation on the part of Italian and Lebanese coaches and tutors, with a community of around 25 persons.
Beneficiaries reached: 10 young people formed on the theme of business-startup and directly helped by a loan and grants in order to launch their commercial and entrepreneurial-social activities. From the beginning of the WIP programme in 2022, around 100 young people have frequented the activities of formation proposed within the entrepreneurial context, and 30 have received a direct support to launch and develop their activities.
• Centre of assistance and medical dispensary - Tripoli
In the premises of the friary of Tripoli, various areas have been renewed and can now be used as a medical dispensary, which is active three days a week with specialised doctors (including a pediatrician and a gynecologist) and with the distribution of medicines.
Beneficiaries reached: around 400 persons and children have been welcomed and helped every month, through medical visits as well as distribution of medicines and vaccines.
A new room of Gynecology has been activated in the Dispensary.
• Saint Francis Cultural and Sports Centre - Tripoli
Within the friary of Saint Francis in Tripoli there is a large sports centre composed of: a football field, a basket-ball court, a playground, rooms for judo and dancing, a room for ping-pong. The sports centre is very important in the neighbourhood and is frequented by Christian and Muslim children and adolescents, coming from Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian families. An effort is being made to continue developing the centre and to organise sports competitions/courses.
4 new halls have been arranged in the complex outside the friary, for the creation of a music hall (courses of musical formation and a band for young people), a hall for art and dancing.
Beneficiaries reached: 300 children / young people coming from poor Lebanese families and from Palestinian/Syrian refugees have made use, whenever possible, of the football field, court and playground and from the training proposed in the centre, namely football, basket-ball, gym, judo, dancing and ping-pong.
40 children involved in music courses and in the band.
35 children involved in artistic and cultural projects.
• Support for educational activities - Tripoli
In collaboration with local schools (Tripoli, Adonis, Carmelites, Gbaleh, Menjez) scholarships have been instituted during the year to support students and the families most in need.
In collaboration with a female art teacher, a cycle of courses of art and design has been organised.
Beneficiaries reached: 120 scholarships for children and the families most in need.
• After-school activities for children - Tyre
In the friary of Tyre activities for distribution of food, medicines, for welcoming and also for education of children have been realised.
Beneficiaries reached: 25 children helped with after-school activities.
• Emergency war
ProTS is active since 25 September 2024, immediately after the beginning of the war in the country, to help homeless people by welcoming them in some public schools that have been transformed into shelters. In particular, ProTS has intervened in the region of Metn (public school of Beit Chabab), in the region of Keserwan (Franciscan school of Adonis), in Jbeil (public school of Jbeil) and has collaborated closely with the Franciscan Friary of Tyre (south) – where 90 persons have been welcomed and sheltered during the first days of the war.
The following activities for the distribution of basic necessities have been realised:
ü Hot meals for around 500 beneficiaries reached every day – Jbeil and Metn
ü Drinking water for around 250 persons every day – Jbeil and Metn
ü Medicines (vitamins and medicines for chronic illnesses) for a total of 300 beneficiaries (250 in Metn and 50 in Jbeil)
ü Vaccines for kids, for a total of 80 children (55 in Metn and 25 in Jbeil)
ü Milk and diapers for 120 infants assisted every day – Jbeil, Metn, Adonis
ü Gasoline for the heating system of the centres or, as an alternative, blankets, in Metn school
ü Around 300 persons and children have been welcomed in the centres and have taken part in activities of psycho-social support, through the work of psychologists and educators of ProTS.
Lastly, ProTS has helped the friaries of the Franciscan Friars of Beirut (Gemmayze) and Harissa, where at present there are 30 persons living, through the covering of costs for lodging (blankets, mattresses, clothes). Unfortunately, the support to the friary of Tyre has been suspended as a result of the dangerous situation there which prohibits the friars from continuing the activities of welcoming.
- EGYPT
• Conservation and enhancement of Musky - Cairo
Support to the Franciscan Centre for Oriental Christian Studies in order to renew the structure and to study/catalogue the collections, and support to the organisation for events which involve the local community, in particular the university students of Cairo. The principal aim of the Centre is the development of oriental sciences regarding the Christian communities of the Middle East, and the documentation on the life and history of Franciscans in the Holy Land.
Beneficiaries reached: around 200 students visitors in the Centre have been supported in their studies and research, by also offering them basic courses in Latin, Greek and Italian.
3 young men are involved in the activity of the centre, through research and doctoral studies.
• Helping the poor and education of young people – Cairo
Distribution of food and medicines to support poor people in the Musky quarter in Cairo, where the Franciscan friary of the Custody of the Holy Land is situated. Besides, in partnership with the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CIM) through their institutions in Port Said, Alexandria, El Dhahereya, Assiut, Minya, Towirat, Qena, Deir Donka, Kafr el Dawar, Haram, various aids of an educational character have been activated, such as the payment of school fees for children who are welcomed in orphanages, medical expenses for families, expenses for goods of basic necessity. Help is also given to young couples.
Beneficiaries reached: around 40 children and young people supported in the Musky quarter.
Around 850 women, persons in fragile economic situations, students and children, reached through the works that are supported.
• Project for the help of vulnerable families and prisoners – Abu Qurqas
Beneficiaries reached: 66 prisoners and their families in Abu Qurqas.
Service of accompaniment directed at 66 prisoners coming from vulnerable families in Abu Qurqas. The activities supported regard accompaniment in the legal, psychological and educational fields (this last aspect is directed towards the children of the prisoners, through the payment of fees for the participation in summer camps and for school fees).
- ITALY
• Novices Project: Support for the formation of the Novices of the Custody – La Verna.
Description of the Project:
Support for the Novices of the Custody of the Holy Land, through the payment of food and lodging, health insurance and medical expenses, residents visa for citizens coming from outside the EU.
Beneficiaries reached: 8 friar Novices are helped to complete their year of novitiate.
- Ordinary salaries of the Custody of the Holy Land.
The Custody of the Holy Land (CTS) offers work to 1465 employees. Of these, 955 work directly in different institutions and schools in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The Human Resources Department supervises directly 60 of these initiatives, while the schools fall under the responsibility of the Central Office of Terra Sancta Schools. The rest of the personnel (510 employees) are employed in structures and institutions of the CTS outside the territory of the Holy Land.
The works of the CTS which fall under the Department for Human Resources face significant challenges because of the ongoing war. In spite of the loss of 46 employees, as a result of resignations or dismissals since the beginning of the war, these works continue to work with an organic number of 344 persons, distributed in the Palestinian Territories (82 employees) and Israel (262 employees, of whom 63 hold a Palestinian ID Card with special permits to work).
Jerusalem, 31 December 2024
