Ref. B-0627/07
To His Beatitude the Very Rev. Michel SABBAH
To the Catholics Ordinary of the Holy Land
To the Very Reverend Superiors of the Religious Institutions of the Holy Land
To the Very Reverend Commissioner Fathers of the Holy Land
To all the civil authorities concerned
To the Directors of pilgrimage and travel agencies
To whom it may concern
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I am writing to inform you of work that the Custody of the Holy Land deems it fitting to carry out in the Grotto of the Annunciation in the Lower Basilica in Nazareth.
For some time now, the Holy Grotto has been in precarious conditions of stability. The concern for this Place which is so well loved and visited, the in-depth studies and the comparison and integration of the different actions to be taken have now materialized in a first important piece of work: a scientific and technical study of the state of preservation of the Rock to define the best technique to use for its consolidation. For this purpose, the Grotto has to be totally isolated from any external agent. This means that the grotto has to be closed and isolated. Considering all the requirements, the period of closure and isolation has been established from 10th November next, to reopen the Grotto by 25th March 2008.
For the duration of this period, the sacred Area will be off-limits to everyone, with no exceptions.
To guarantee the safety necessary for the technicians who will be performing the work, we request the collaboration of all in respecting this period of isolation. Whilst attention must be taken not to hinder the work and of course the grotto will not be accessible, it will still be possible to visit the upper and lower church of the Basilica of the Very Holy Annunciation, which are the heart of the Holy Places that can be visited in the city of Nazareth. Grateful for your attention and certain of the comprehension and collaboration of all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Peace and All Good.
brother Pierbattista PIZZABALLA OFM
Custos of the Holy Land
brother Stéphane MILOVITCH OFM
Secretary of the Holy Land