Holy Land message for Valletta pilgrimage

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday led a pilgrimage in Valletta held in solidarity with those suffering from the violence erupted in the Holy Land.

Prayers for peace in the world and particularly in the Middle East were said during the pilgrimage which was also held in solidarity with the Franciscan fathers in the Holy Land.

Towards the end of the well-attended pilgrimage, a telephone link was established with Holy Land Custodian Fr Giovanni Battistelli who thanked the Maltese people for their solidarity.

Fr Anthony Chircop, a Maltese monk serving in Jerusalem, was also contacted by telephone. He explained the "difficult situation" prevailing in the region, especially the plight of the nuns and monks holed up in the Nativity church.

The pilgrimage, "Walk for peace", started from the Ta` Giesu church, in Valletta and ended at St John`s Co-Cathedral. The pilgrims walked behind the image of Christ on the Cross, an effigy held to be miraculous and which is venerated at Ta` Giesu church.

The pilgrimage was organised by the Archconfraternity of the Holy Cross at the Ta` Giesu church, the Franciscan fathers, the Pastoral Secretariat and Radio RTK.