Br. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, current Custos of the Holy Land, has recently undertaken a series of significant visits to Christian communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Cyprus, bringing spiritual support and a message of hope in a context marked by profound difficulties.
During his stay in Damascus, Br. Francesco visited the Church of St. Elias in Douilaa to express closeness to the community affected by the recent attack, and met the Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East. In the historic Christian heart of Bab Touma, he reached the Church of Saint Ananias, a place of memory and faith, and then presided over the Eucharistic Celebration at the Latin Church, strengthening ties with the local community.
The Custos continues the Franciscan tradition of presence and solidarity with Christian communities in Lebanon, a country marked by internal crises and regional conflicts. Even in this delicate phase, the friars of the Custody continue to spiritually and materially accompany local Christians and those in need, offering comfort and concrete assistance despite the socio-political challenges.
Read more: https://www.custodia.org/en/news/visits-of-the-custos-of-the-holy-land-to-christian-communities-in-syria-lebanon-and-cyprus/
By Francesco Guaraldi | custodia
