Jerusalem: As Holy Week begins, the Custody of the Holy Land has renewed its appeal to Christians around the world to support communities in the region through the Good Friday collection, calling it a strong sign of hope and peace.
Fr Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land, invited the faithful to remember those living in the places of Christ’s life and sacrifice through both prayer and practical help. He said that Christian solidarity becomes a visible sign of hope for people who continue to witness to the Gospel in difficult conditions.
The Good Friday collection, which will be held on April 3 this year, focuses on supporting the Church’s mission in the Holy Land. It was first established at the request of Pope Paul VI in 1974 to strengthen the connection between Christians worldwide and the holy places.
Today, it remains one of the main sources of support for preserving sacred sites and helping local Christian communities, often described as living stones of the region. Donations collected in parishes across the world are sent to the Custody of the Holy Land, which oversees their distribution.
The funds are used not only for maintaining shrines but also for supporting daily life and future development. The collection helps provide housing for hundreds of families, supports schools educating thousands of students, and creates employment opportunities. It also assists missionaries, pilgrim centers, and homes for the sick and orphaned.
People in several countries across the Middle East and beyond benefit from these contributions, including those in Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and other regions.
This year, Holy Week celebrations in the Holy Land are limited due to ongoing conflict, making the need for support even more urgent. Church leaders say the collection is not only about meeting immediate needs but also about investing in education and stability for future generations.
The Custody of the Holy Land emphasized that even small acts of generosity can help sustain hope and encourage peace in a region facing continued hardship.