Earlier this month we visited the Holy Land as pilgrims with the Franciscan Friars. The Franciscan Friars are the Custodians of the Holy Land and as such have a very significant presence there.

Pilgrims are accommodated in their hostels called ‘Casa Nova’ which are situated right above the Holy places in Nazareth and Bethlehem and five minutes’ walk from Christ’s Sepulchre and Calvary in Jerusalem.

This gave us the luxury to revisit these Holy places both early in the morning or late evening when they are empty of tourists and become silent havens for prayer and recollection.

Fr Twanny Chircop, who was our guide and spiritual director, gave us very detailed explanations throughout the pilgrimage.

I am writing this letter due to the fact that we met two Maltese nuns, one at the Sanctuary of The Beatitudes and the other in Jerusalem, both of whom exhorted us to spread the word to the Maltese people encouraging them to visit the Holy Land.

Life in the Holy Land is very difficult for the Christian communities and our visits and donations help them carry on with their mission of caring for these holy places. The Franciscan Friars will be organising other pilgrimage this year and can be contacted on 2124 2254.