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Holy Land Commissariat Now in India

25 January 2020, Bengaluru: The Commissariat of the Holy Land was inaugurated in St. Anthony’s Friary, Bengaluru on 25 January 2020. Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bengaluru inaugurated the Commissariat in the presence of Fr. Marcelo Cuccinelli OFM, Responsible for the Office for the coordination of the Commissaries of the Holy Land, Fr. Ramzi Sidwi OFM, Bursar of the Custody of the Holy Land and Fr. Aquilino Castillo OFM, Vocation Promoter of the Holy Land. Fr. Praveen D’ Souza OFM, Minister Provincial of OFM Franciscans in India was present too.

While addressing the gathering, Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado expressed his joy in inaugurating the Commissariat of the Holy Land in the Archdiocese of Bengaluru. He said that he would support and collaborate with this Commissariat and its initiatives in the Diocese. Fr. Praveen D’ Souza while introducing the Commissariat explained its goal, objectives and the scope of its activities. Fr. Marcelo Cichinelli in his address outlined the history of the Commissariat and emphasised that the Commissariat is a Pearl of the Missions of the Order and called for the promotion of the Vocations for the Custody of the Holy Land.

After the stage programme, the Office of the Commissariat of the Holy Land was blessed and inaugurated in St. Anthony’s Friary campus on Hosur Road, Bengaluru.

10 Things You Need to Know about the Commissariat of the Holy Land in India

1. What is a Commissariat of the Holy Land?
The Commissariat of the Holy Land is, in a way, the Embassy of the OFM Custody of the Holy Land in India. The OFM Friars serving in the Holy Land are establishing their Office in India.

2. Why there are a lot of OFM Friars working in the Holy Land?
Mission in the Holy Land is close to the heart of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) as it dates back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi who took an adventurous missionary journey to the Holy Land in 1219. Ever Since, the OFM friars from across the continents of the world are ministering in the Holy Land. It is a special and privileged mission of the Order to minister in the land where Jesus our Lord was born and especially to the thousands of the pilgrims who frequent various sanctuaries in the Holy Land.

3. When did the Commissariat of the Holy Land emerge?
The Commissariat of the Holy Land was first established in the 15th Century at the request of the Pope and the European Royal Houses.

4. Why did the Commissariat of the Holy Land come into existence?
The primary purpose, in the beginning, was to promote aid for the support of various works carried out by the OFM friars in the Holy Land, such as – Pastoral Care towards the Christians in the Holy Land, Preservation of the Sanctuaries of the Holy Land, Providing support to the pilgrims and other social developmental works.

5. What is the fundamental purpose of the Commissariat of the Holy Land?
The fundamental purpose of the Commissariat of the Holy Land is to organize pilgrimages and study tours to the Holy Land in partnership with the competent travel agencies.

6. What are the other activities of the Commissariat of the Holy Land?
1. It serves as the centre in India to disseminate knowledge about the Holy land in close relationship with the Bishops.
2. It organizes special programmes in the Parishes/Institutions about the work of the Holy Land.
3. It communicates through magazines and audio-visual aids about the ministries carried out in the Holy Land.

7. How does the Commissariat of the Holy Land help the local faithful?

• 1. The Commissariat of the Holy Land acts as a communication channel between the faithful and the Holy Land.
  2. Those interested to visit the Holy Land as a pilgrim can contact the Commissariat of the Holy Land.
• 3. Those who wish to support the Friars ministering in the Holy Land can contribute through the Commissariat of the Holy Land.
  4. Those who wish to receive regular communication from the Holy Land can contact the Commissariat of the Holy Land.
  5. Those who wish to do voluntary service in the Sanctuaries of the Holy Land can approach the Commissariat of the Holy Land.

8. Who is the Commissariat of the Holy Land in India? Friar Francis Xavier OFM
Mob No: +91 95904 61422

Email: visit2holyland@gmail.com

9. Can anyone join to become a friar in the Custody of the Holy Land?
Yes. Anyone who aspires to be religious desiring to minister in the Holy Land can join the Custody of the Holy Land following its Formation programme. The Vocation Promoter for the Custody of the Holy Land is Friar Aquilino Castillo Alvárez (Email: franciscanvocations@yahoo.com)

10. Where can we find the information about the Commissariat of the Holy Land?
Office of the Holy Land Commissariat
St. Anthony’s Friary Church
85, Hosur Road
Bengaluru – 560095
http://www.franciscansindia.com/commissariat

Br. John Sekar OFM

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