Irish Charity to Lead Pilgrimage of Solidarity with Holy Land Christians

Irish charity Aid to the Church in Need has announced plans to lead a pilgrimage of solidarity to the Holy Land later this year. The initiative aims to support the local Christian community, which has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict. Christians in the region now make up fewer than 2% of the population, with many families reliant on pilgrim-related income facing financial hardship since the war began following the October 7, 2024, attacks.

Church leaders in the Holy Land have called for pilgrims to return, emphasizing the importance of visiting sites associated with the earthly life of Jesus. Bishop William Shomali, auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem, has urged pilgrims to come to the Holy Land, assuring them that the holy places are safe. He expressed hope that the presence of pilgrims would contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of the local Christian community.

Bishop Shomali spoke with Michael Kelly of Aid to the Church in Need, Ireland, which supports local Christians in the Holy Land. He encouraged pilgrims to visit Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and other holy sites, noting that these places are not only safe but also essential for deepening faith. The bishop emphasized that being in these locations allows for a tangible connection with the life and teachings of Jesus.

Father Francesco Lelpo OFM, the Custos of the Holy Land, echoed Bishop Shomali’s appeal. As a Franciscan friar responsible for the holy sites connected to Jesus’ earthly life, Fr Lelpo stressed the importance of pilgrimage as a means of witness and hope. He noted that the presence of global Christians in the Holy Land strengthens the local Church and reminds pilgrims of the living faith that continues to thrive in the region.

Fr Lelpo highlighted that many pilgrims ask what they can do to help the Holy Land and its people. He responded that returning as pilgrims is one of the most meaningful ways to support the community. This act of presence, he explained, is not merely about visiting historical sites but about encountering a living Church and contributing to its vitality.

The pilgrimage, scheduled from 2 to 10 October, is organized by Aid to the Church in Need, Ireland. It represents a renewed commitment to solidarity with the Holy Land’s Christian community. The event is expected to bring together pilgrims from around the world, offering them an opportunity to deepen their faith while supporting those who have been disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict.

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