An ecumenical delegation of Indian bishops and priests has wrapped up a visit to the Holy Land aimed at forging closer ties between the State of Israel and the Christian community in India and promoting pilgrimages and tourism. Led by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai, and Ernakulam–Angamally Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry, the delegation’s four-day visit from February 26th-March 1st included prayers at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher and the celebration of the Eucharist in a Franciscan monastery close to the Cenacle.
The tour, which was sponsored by Israeli ministry of tourism, also comprised leaders from the Syrian Orthodox and Lutheran Churches of India. During their visit, the delegation met the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as well as Bishops William Shomali and Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, respectively Auxiliary Bishops in Jerusalem and Nazareth. Continue reading...
The tour, which was sponsored by Israeli ministry of tourism, also comprised leaders from the Syrian Orthodox and Lutheran Churches of India. During their visit, the delegation met the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as well as Bishops William Shomali and Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, respectively Auxiliary Bishops in Jerusalem and Nazareth. Continue reading...