The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem visits the

Pilgrim Center of Hope!

This event is a history-making event, His Beatitude, Michel Sabbah from Jerusalem was in San Antonio for two days, September 20 & 21, 2004. On his first day, he received an honorary doctorate award from St. Mary’s University and the following day, he visited and spent time with Pilgrim Center of Hope Advisory Board Members, members of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) San Antonio Committee. His Beatitude Sabbah encouraged the work of the Pilgrim Cent

er of Hope for the Diocese of Jerusalem, which is our Mother Church in the Holy Land. Less than 1.5 percent of the population are Christian. There is an urgent call to help the Christians living in the Holy Land, especially those living under illegal Israeli military occupation. The following is a brief explanation on the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the center of Catholicism in Palestine and Jordan. Its work is not only in service of the Catholic communities but extends to all Christians and Muslims. The Patriarchate services cover relief, medical and emergency family assistance, social and cultural advances, and educational opportunities in addition to being the center of spiritual life for the individual. For almost 150 years the Latin Patriarchate has provided a high standard of education for the Palestinians, as well for Jordan.

In 1847 the Patriarchate was established in Jerusalem. It immediately set to work at the task of building churches and schools in villages and towns across the country. The people had to have access to churches and education to remain resolute in their identity. Education at that time was only available in large cities, and these schools were the first to educate boys and girls in rural, small towns.

For many the Latin churches, schools and its social institutions serve as the strongest single center for community relations, open and

responsive to the needs of the townspeople.

Pilgrim Center of Hope organizes pilgrimages to the Holy Land, a private audience with the Latin Patriarch is included. Check out 2005 Holy Land Pilgrimages…check under our website “PILGRIMAGES”.