Vatican City: Ahead of the Good Friday collection, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti has urged Catholics around the world to offer generous support to Christians living in the Holy Land, describing the annual collection as a powerful sign of hope in a region marked by conflict and suffering.
In a letter sent to bishops worldwide, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches reflected on the continued violence in the land where Jesus lived. He said that despite many efforts at dialogue and peace agreements, the sound of weapons has not stopped, and many people continue to suffer.
The Good Friday collection, held in churches each year, supports the work of the Custody of the Holy Land. This mission cares for sacred places and helps Christian communities remain in their homeland through education, social support, and pastoral care.
Cardinal Gugerotti expressed sorrow that ongoing conflict has forced many Christians to leave their homes, while children are left without proper access to education. He thanked bishops for their efforts to respond to human suffering but reminded them that Christians must continue to act with hope.
He said even small donations carry deep meaning, calling them essential for sustaining the Church’s presence in the Holy Land. According to him, such acts are not only important for those receiving help but also for those giving, as they call people to live with greater responsibility and compassion.
The cardinal encouraged bishops to raise awareness among the faithful by sharing the real struggles faced by Christian communities in the region. He also echoed the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, inviting Catholics to support peace efforts through prayer and concrete action.
Recalling his personal encounters with Christians in the Holy Land, he said many live in fear about their future and even their survival. He urged the global Church to offer not just words of comfort but real and practical support.
The Good Friday collection, he concluded, may seem small, but it plays a vital role in sustaining hope. Without such contributions, he said, the work of the Church in the Holy Land would struggle to continue, reminding the faithful that even a single drop is important in forming an ocean.