Good news for pilgrimages to the Holy Land: statistics from the Christian Information Center show a steady increase, with record-breaking numbers for January 2018.
In January 2018, the temperature in Jerusalem varies between 9 and 17 degrees, but the number of pilgrims is constantly increasing.
Confirming the data of the Ministry of Tourism of Israel, Brother Tomasz Dubiel, director of the Christian Information Center, gives good news: in January 2016, 390 groups have booked a mass in the sanctuaries, with the participation of 11,000 pilgrims. In 2017, in the same time period, 16 thousand pilgrims arrived in 529 groups, but in January 2018, the number of groups increased to 770, for a total of 26 thousand pilgrims.
“The number of Catholics doubled in 2018” – says Fr. Tomasz, but groups of other Christian denominations asking to pray in the sanctuaries are also on the rise.
Data from the Christian Information Center do not include the thousands of Orthodox pilgrims who visited the Holy Land for the Christmas holidays celebrated in January.
The faithful arrive all bundled up and willing to see many places in a short time.
The sacristan of the Latin Chapel, Brother Auksencjusz Gad, confirms the increase in masses celebrated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. At this time of the year, there are mainly Asian pilgrims, like this beautiful group from South Korea, whom we met in the Basilica.
Fr. DOMENICO
Missionary Congregation of the Passionists
“By the grace of God, we visited the shrines and lived a beautiful spiritual experience. We just celebrated in the chapel and we have a heart full of joy. I hope that other groups will also come to experience the encounter with the Lord Jesus.”
Also here, we met a group of pilgrims from Portugal, with priests already dressed to celebrate Mass.
“I believe every Christian should save money and come to the Holy Land to visit the holy places. It is an investment in life.”
In December, the Apostolic Administrator, Br. Francesco Patton, made an appeal: “Pilgrims, do not be afraid. Come to the Holy Land!”
Visiting the Holy Places is a unique experience and also helps local Christians. Brother Vitor Rafael, commissioner of the Holy Land in Portugal, also launched an appeal.
Br. VITOR RAFAEL, ofm
Commissioner of the Holy Land – Portugal
“Let us not forget that the Christian communities of Bethlehem need a lot of help from pilgrims from all over the world. Do not be afraid, come to Bethlehem!”
In the hope of further good news, a new year begins. In the holy places, while taking care of the chapels or preparing the celebrations, the Franciscans are waiting for the pilgrims with open arms.