GOOD FRIDAY: HOLY LAND COLLECTION

On Good Friday in every Catholic Church around the world, the Offertory collection is given to the Franciscans ministering in the Holy Land. We encourage you to give as generously as you are able to this collection. It supports five causes worthy of the international Church's attention.

1. Pastoral Care of Christians in the Land of Jesus' Birth


The majority of Christians in the Holy Land face great hardships due to political instability in the region. In 1948, Christians made up 30% of population in the Holy Land; they now comprise roughly 1.5%. The Franciscans provide pastoral care for most of the Roman Catholic parishes and academic institutions in the Holy Land, including the regions affected most by war.

2. Charity

Some parts of the Holy Land have unemployment rates as high as 50%. To help Christians remain in the Holy Land, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land have built thousands of residential units for the poor and the young. They also build senior care facilities and provide medical assistance. Recent funds from the Good Friday collection helped create 1,200 jobs and restore 1,000 homes for Christian families.

3. Education

Franciscan schools educate 10,000 pre-K through high school students, regardless of their religion or nationality. Recents funds from the Good Friday collection provided 400 scholarships to high school and university students. The Franciscans also conduct ongoing archaeological research throughout the Holy Land.

4. Shrines and Liturgy

For over 800 years, the Franciscans have staffed and maintained Christian shrines in the Holy Land. Today, they maintain an array of 65 chapels and churches, providing the resources for religious celebrations observed by millions of pilgrims visiting from around the world.

5. Ecumenism and Communications

In a region where the three great Abrahamic religions have their origin, the Franciscan friars are at the forefront of building better relationships among world religions and various Christian denominations. The Christian Media Center communicates with Christians around the world in a variety of languages.

How do I make my gift?

Use the button below to visit our Treasure page, then select your preferred method of payment. Please indicate the amount of your gift and note that it is for "Holy Land" - we'll make sure it gets there. Thank you for your continued generosity.  

Give to the Holy Land