Responding to the needs of the local community in the Holy Land
Jaffa of Nazareth parish
As is done every year, in addition to the monthly support for the expenses of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre selects certain projects to be carried out. These projects, among those presented by the Patriarchate, have been positively evaluated by the Holy Land Commission.
In 2015, three projects were selected, and are briefly described below.
Renovation of the monastery of Jaffa of Nazareth (Israel)
Jaffa of Nazareth is situated only a few kilometres north of Nazareth, in the state of Israel. The local parish includes some 580 families and the complex includes, apart from the church itself, a school, a kindergarten, the residence of the Parish priest including his office, and a house for the religious sisters. The work that will be implemented over the next three years includes the expansion of the number of classes to enable the school to accommodate students to the level of higher secondary education with the consequent displacement of the kindergarten, and of the accommodation of the priest and sisters to a new building. Currently, the school and kindergarten have 555 students.
Completing the ground floor of the centre of Our Lady of Peace and the construction of a cultural centre (Jordan)
The Centre of Our Lady of Peace was opened near Amman in 2004 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and currently offers a range of services for people with disabilities, as well as supporting Church youth movements in Jordan in various ways. In finishing the ground floor of the Centre, more office space will be available, as well as meeting rooms and an apartment for the sisters who live there.
Final phase of the new church and the Marj Al-hamam complex (Jordan)
Located on the outskirts of Amman, the city of Marj Al-hamam directly serves an area where there are about 1,500 faithful. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition live in the Convent of Marj Al-hamam. They currently have 15 novices and postulants. The pastoral work of this community is of great help to the people. Whereas the church could accommodate up to 120 people, the new Parish, under construction, will have a capacity of 600 people and a new hall for 500 people. The work is currently in its final phase.
(October 13, 2015)