Today at 4.00 pm the Custos of the Holy Land Fr. Giovanni Battistelli ofm, met with the Authorities of the Custody at St. Saviour Friary in Jerusalem. During this meeting they discussed the grave situation of the Fraternity next to the site of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ and also of the Holy Site venerated by all Christianity. At the end of the meeting they issued a press release (see original text in italian) in which, besides appealing for a permanent solution of the conflict they affirmed their disappointment and dismay that the Israeli army has not given back water and electricity to the Friars in Bethlehem. They not only thanked all those who have been close to the Friars in these times of stress and trial but also asked them to increase their efforts.

The statement, while embracing the Brothers and Sisters of Bethlehem, praises also their courage and determination for standing up at this moment of trial for the love of Jesus who was born there and faithful to the Papal mandate and the Franciscan Rule.

The statement ends by asking God's help to remain faithful to the mission of custodians of the Holy Places. A note at the end of the statement an addition refers to the suicide bomb which went off in West Jerusalem and states that they all stopped to pray for the victims and their families and that "such horrendous acts come to an end, through God's power, in this Land which He himself chose as his dwelling place when He came amongst mankind"

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