HOLY LAND – From March 17-23, 2014, the Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre visited the Holy Land for a review of different projects of the Latin Patriarch currently in progress. The delegation, consisting of Prof. Tom McKiernan, the new President of the Commission to the Holy Land, and Dr. Heinrich Dickmann, was accompanied by Father Humam Khzouz, General Treasurer of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the EOHSJ regularly visits Palestine, Israel and Jordan, to assess the needs and project developments of the Latin Patriarchate. Bi-annually, in fact, members of the Grand Magisterium Commission go there to monitor the progress of projects funded by the Order, visiting works in progress or completed, and giving consideration to future projects.
Each project is carefully studied and presented to the Grand Magisterium, which, after analysis, decides to support such proposals according to the priorities of the Patriarchate. Followed up by specific reports and regular visits to monitor the work in the presence of Father Humam Khzouz, General Treasurer of the Latin Patriarchate.
The delegation consisted of Prof. Tom McKiernan, the new President of the Commission to the Holy Land, Dr. Heinrich Dickmann and accompanied by his wife Barbara, and without Prof. Bart MacGettrick, unable to travel at this time. The Knights met His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal and Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem. The Patriarchate administration then presented plans for various projects.
The Commission went to Jordan accompanied by the General Treasurer and visited projects in Na’our. There they monitored the progress of work on the parish rectory and the convent of the Sisters of the Rosary. They also visited the school in Al-Ashrafieh and the Fuheis rectory, now fully renovated.
In Jordan, the Knights also visited the Our Lady of Peace Center, a place for people with disabilities and also for diocesan activities, especially for the youth. Finally, they came to the baptismal site on Jordanian side.
The journey continued to the Palestinian side where they came to Taybeh to see proposed plans for restoration of the rectory. Then on to Jifna, Ain Arik and Ramallah.
Ten Patriarchate sites were visited in a few days. An exciting program for the Knights whose love and support for the Holy Land are infinitely valuable to the local Church.
By: Myriam Ambroselli
