Message of support to Christians in the Holy Land

22 Dec 2005

PRESS RELEASE

22 DECEMBER 2005

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND

The Catholic Bishops of Ireland have sent the following Christmas message
to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, H.B. Michel Sabbah, in support of
Christians in the Holy Land:

At this time of year our thoughts and prayers turn to the Holy Land and
especially to Bethlehem, a place of profound significance for people across
the world as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

We wish to express our solidarity with you and the Christians of the Holy
Land, who for the sixth consecutive year must suffer fear and despair as
a result of the present political situation. We also deplore the resulting
violence perpetrated by all sides in this ongoing conflict.

We acknowledge and we express our concern that as a result of this appalling
situation an increasing number of Christians feel compelled to leave the
land of their birth to make their home in foreign lands.

In addition, we deplore the consequences of the current programme of wall
and fence building, which is set to continue, which further deepens the
sense of separation between the different peoples in the Holy Land.

At this time we encourage Christians everywhere to visit the Holy Land and
especially Bethlehem despite the ongoing difficulties in the region.

This Christmas as we pray for justice and peace for all peoples in the land
of Our Lord’s birth, may we reassure you of our prayerful support. Our hope
is expressed in Pope Benedict XVI’s letter for World Day of Peace, wherein
he states: “Peace is an irrepressible yearning present in the heart of each
person regardless of his or her particular culture or identity.”

Bishops also invite and encourage Irish people living at home and abroad
to email Christmas wishes and prayers for peace to the people of the Holy
Land. By logging onto www.paxchristi.net messages can be sent to Bethlehem,
which will then be distributed in a variety of spiritual and educational
contexts.


Further information:

Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)