Custodian of the Holy Land

The Custody of the Holy Land ( Custodia Terrae Sanctae Latin, often, the Italian form Custodia di terra santa used ) is the religious organization of the Franciscans in the Holy Land. This was originally a part of the Franciscan Mission Province of the Holy Land, which included the entire eastern Mediterranean, and is maintaining the designation Custody since 1517 in the rank of a separate province of the order. Today a Custody alongside Israel and Palestine including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, parts of Egypt, Cyprus and Rhodes.

The canonical Superior of the Franciscan Custody is entitled Custos ( Guardian = ) the Holy Land. Since 2004 Fr Pizzaballa exerts this service.

History

After the expulsion of the Crusaders, the Franciscans were the first representatives of the Catholic Church, who settled again in the region of Palestine. They managed to obtain from the sultans of Egypt permission to take care of various holy sites of Christianity.

This became particularly important Custody by 1342 by Pope Clement VI. issued a mandate to represent the interests of the Latin Church in the holy places. Until the 19th century the Franciscans were the only represented in the Holy Land Catholic religious community and entrusted to the re-establishment of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in 1847, with virtually all ecclesiastical duties in the region.

Beginning of the Custody of the Cenacle were (since 1333) on Mount Zion, entrusted to the Latin portion of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem ( since 1342 ) and at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (since 1347 ). Over the centuries, they could acquire more ancient Christian sites and churches built there. Especially since the 19th century it leads to these places also by scientific excavations. Other tasks were and are taking care of pilgrims' hostels, schools and scientific institutions and social institutions.

Supervised sites

The Custody cared for today in Israel, including the following sites:

  • The Holy Sepulcher (together with other denominations )
  • Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (together with other denominations )
  • The Church of St. Peter in Capernaum
  • The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor
  • The Church of St. Lazarus in Bethany
  • The primacy chapel in Tabgha
  • Dominus flevit at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem
  • The Emmaus Church in El Qubeibeh
  • The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
  • The Marie grave in the Kidron Valley
  • The Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane
  • The Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City.

Other tasks

Facilities include the Custody of the Franciscan Biblical Studies, a publisher and the Christian Information Centre in Jerusalem.

An important part of the work of the Custody of the Holy Land schools in Israel and Palestine, as well as one each in Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus. Such schools, there are approximately in Nazareth ( College), Bethlehem (College for Boys, High School for Girls ), Jerusalem ( High School for Boys, High School for Girls ), Jericho, Jaffa (separate boys 'and girls' school ) and Ramleh. These schools are open to all faiths and walks of life for children; so sitting in some schools, Jewish Israelis, Christians and Muslims side by side in a class. The benefits are mainly financed from funds of the Custody and donations, in some cases, with state or local grants. Where these subsidies do not take place or not sufficient, even school fees are collected, but these socially disadvantaged - and the majority of students in the Palestinian territories - be adopted.

In order to alleviate the particular situation of Christian Palestinians between the fronts, built the Custody including in Bethlehem Bethphage in social housing for large families.

Relief of the Custody of the Holy Land

The ' " Relief of the Custody of the Holy Land " ATS: Associazione di Terra Santa - Community of the Holy Land ' ( http://www.proterrasancta.org ) is a charity founded by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Mission of the charity 's public relations, fundraising and project support for the Holy Land and the Christians in the Middle East. Focus of project funding are:

  • In receipt of the Christian sites of Jesus' ministry in the Holy Land
  • In social and charitable projects for Christians in the Middle East and for the needy
  • In targeted assistance in emergency situations

How the " Fund of the Custody of the Holy Land " sponsored and escorted projects in the Palestinian territories, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus and Rhodes. The Fund also offers the opportunity to volunteer to get involved in the Holy Land or to support the Holy Land as part of a cooperation.

The " Fund of the Custody of the Holy Land " is a donor-supported non-governmental organization in the legal form of an association with its registered office in Rome and its operational office in Jerusalem. President of the charity is the Custos of the Holy Land.

Custos of the Holy Land

  • ...
  • 1998-2004 Giovanni Battistelli OFM
  • Since 2004 Pizzaballa OFM
Last Supper Church of the Primacy of St. Peter Dominus Flevit Church Tomb of the Virgin Mary Studium Biblicum Franciscanum Aid agency
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