NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHTJANUARY 2014

Board of Trustees

Honorary ChairmanTheodore Cardinal McCarrickWashington, DC

Special AdvisorArchbishop Carlo Maria Viganò Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S.

Of�cers

Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFMChairman

Rev. Peter F. Vasko, OFMPresident

Denise M. Scalzo, SFOVice President

Susan H. StanzelSecretary

James J. LynaghTreasurer

Board Members

Eugene J. AlfonsiDublin, OH

Raymond ArroyoSterling, VA

Nicholas J. BabiakArlington, VA

Karen M. CarrollAtlanta, GA

James N. Corrigan, Jr.Washington, DC

Bishop Frank Dewane, DDVenice, FL

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, DDNew York, NY

Joseph Cornelius DonnellyNew York, NY

Karen M. HurleyHarrisburg, PA

Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, DDSpring�eld, IL

Joseph S. ParesiArmonk, NY

Steven Michael RamirezElk Grove, CA

Richard F. Toussaint, MDDallas, TX

The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land is a worldwide organization founded in 1994 under the auspices of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. The foundation was created to safeguard the basic human rights and continued presence of the Christian Palestinian minority living in the Holy Land by providing academic scholarships, subsidized housing, and employment opportunities.

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FFHL Supporters Fill Vatican Embassy for Honorary DinnerHis Eminence, Donald

Cardinal Wuerl, D.D., was the keynote speaker this past October 12 at a black tie fundraising gala held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. Ninety-three persons from fourteen states including Alabama, Arizona, Cal i fornia, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Texas and the District of Columbia attended to support the mission of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land.

Honored Gues t s attending the Fourth Biennial Benefit Dinner included His Eminence Most Reverend Cardinal Donald Wuerl, D.D., Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, D.C. and His Excellency Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, D.D., Bishop of Venice, Florida. Dignitaries who were present included His Excellency, Lieutenant

Raymond C. Teatum, KHSGC, Eastern Lieutenancy, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and Brigadier General Patrick E. Rea, USA (Ret.), Grand Master, Sovereign Order of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Two major benefactors of the FFHL, Mr. Anthony F. Sansone, Sr. and Dr. Richard F. Toussaint, Jr., were given the “Guardian of the Holy Land” award. This prestigious award is a recognition given to individuals who have not only demonstrated an outstanding love of God in their personal lives, but have upheld the truth, the reality, the faith, and the hopes of the Holy Land. . . .individuals who have placed themselves in the hands of God and have allowed their gifts and their energies to be consumed for those in need. Both awards were presented on behalf of Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land and Chairman of the FFHL, by the Most Reverend Dewane, D.D., Board Member

Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM, presented the “City of David” award to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dickerson of Fort Worth, Texas. They were principal underwriters for the benefit dinner.

Susan Stanzel of Dallas, Texas, Secretary for FFHL and Coordinator for the Benefit Dinner is pictured here with the attending dignitaries. (l-r) Bishop Frank Dewane, D.D., Board Member, Mr. Thomas Stanzel, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, D.D., Archbishop of Washington, Mrs. Stanzel, Msgr. John Macsynowitch, Secretary to the Nuncio and Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM.

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Letter from the CustosDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are still basking in the Holy Light of Christ’s birth celebrated in Bethlehem. You were in our prayers throughout the Advent and Christmas Season. Many of you have participated in a new rebirth of our Christian Community by supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters in this Holy Land. What Joy, Hope and Love you have given to them. Is this not the meaning of Christmas? We also celebrated the feast of the Holy Family. And you have helped to keep so many families together. By supporting housing needs along with the scholarships we together have been able to provide a much brighter future for our brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land. We could not do it without you.

We are now in ordinary time; let us together make it extraordinary. Please pray for us and continue to financially support our children, young adults and parents. Let us be good stewards of the gifts Our Lord has so generously given to each of us.

Thank you for making us a part of your life. Be assured that you are remembered each day in our prayers. Please pray for us.

I remain a servant of God and yours, in the Spirit of St. Francis,

Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM Custos of the Holy Land

Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM

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Fr. Pizzaballa Re-Elected as Custos of the Holy Land

It was announced by the General Curia of the Order of Friars Minor in June that Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa was re-elected Custos of the Holy Land for a third, three-year term . Previously, the Italian Friar was elected Custos for the first time in May 2004 and then re-elected in 2010.

In his capacity as Custos, Fr. Pizzaballa welcomed Pope Benedict XVI during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in May of 2009 and again in 2010 traveled with the Holy Father to Cyprus. In March 2008 Pope Benedict XVI appointed Fr. Pizzaballa as a consultant for five years to the Commission for Relations with Judaism at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

As some of you may know, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land have had a presence in the Middle East for eight centuries and throughout this time have ensured, on behalf of the Catholic Church, the care of the holy sites in the places where Jesus lived his earthly life both the buildings and the people, “the living stones.”

of the FFHL as well as Ms. Denise Scalzo, Vice-president of the FFHL. Fr. Vasko also presented the ‘City of David Award’ to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Dickerson of Dallas, Texas for their generosity in underwriting the dinner.

The elegant music for the evening was provided by violinists from the Music Department of the Catholic University of America. Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Raymond Arroyo, News Director, “The World Over, EWTN,” kept everyone entertained during the evening with his natural wit and charm. Cardinal Wuerl’s address included a personal reflection on the Conclave, its guidance by the Holy Spirit, the charisma and special love of the poor by Pope Francis as indicated by his choice of Francis as his Papal name and the mission of evangelization he has given to all Catholics.

The evening concluded with a Benediction by Bishop Dewane. Fr. Peter was assisted by Mrs. Susan Stanzel of Dallas, Texas in preparation for the event.

Dr. Richard F. Touissant of Dallas, Texas received the highest honor given by FFHL, namely the “Guardian of the Holy Land Award” from Bishop Dewane, Board Member. Also conferring the award were Fr. Peter, President of FFHL, and Ms. Denise Scalzo, Vice-President.

Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, was elected Custos (Head) of the Holy Land for the third consecutive time.

Mr. Anthony Sansone, Sr., of St. Louis, MO also receiving this prestigious “Guardian of the Holy Land Award.”

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$500,000 of Contributions Thanks to Cradling Christianity

The eighth annual fundraiser for Cradling Christianity was held in Columbus, Ohio on September 5, 2013 and was another great success! The Vigil Mass at St. Charles Chapel was a beautiful liturgy with Bishop Frank Dewane, Venice, Florida, as the main celebrant. Concelebrants included Father Peter Vasko, OFM, along with numerous priests from the Columbus diocese. Two deacons assisted at the liturgy as well.

The silent auction for this event was unique with the majority of the items produced in the Holy Land by Palestinian Christians. Icons, pottery, glassware and Jerusalem crosses were featured. Over 300 guests attended the event at Walter Commons, and each dinner guest received a Cradling Christianity mug imprinted with the logo

and a prayer for the Christians in the Holy Land, composed by committee member, Frances Weise.

Foster and Jan Moffo were honored for their silent auction donations, and Don and Monica Brown were also honored as ongoing chairpersons of the annual fundraiser. Over one-half million dollars has been contributed to the FFHL through the efforts of Cradling Christianity.

Bishop Frank Dewane, an FFHL board member, was the guest speaker. He focused on the continued plight of the Christians living in the Holy Land, and on the hope that is generated by the continued generosity of our donors.

Mass was celebrated at St. Charles Preparatory School in the St. Charles Chapel. Bishop Frank Dewane, Bishop of Venice, presided. Concelebrants included Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM, along with priests from the Diocese of Columbus.

Guest speaker, Bishop Frank Dewane, FFHL Board Member, hones in on the need to support a Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Below: Seated (l-r) are Judy Alfonsi, Libby Stedman, Richard Stedman and Fr. Peter. Standing in the rear are Wally Johanni, Gene Alfonsi, Don Brown, Norma Johanni, Monica Brown, Foster Moffo, Fran Weise, Julie Naporano, Ardith Mers, Ken Weise, Susan Hickey, Chuck Mers, and Elizabeth Roach.

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Carine Koussa lives in Jerusalem with her parents and younger brother and sister. She plans to attend Tel Aviv University and major in Psychology. Her sponsors are the FFHL Orlando Chapter of Orlando, FL

Carlos Rofa resides in Jerusalem with his parents and younger brother and sister. He is planning to attend Hebrew University in Jerusalem and to major in Medicine. His sponsor is Dr. Moneta De Castro of Fort Worth, TX.

Christeen Darwish lives in Jericho with her parents and one younger brother. She plans to attend Bir-Zei t University and to major in English Literature. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Christina Khair resides in Jerusalem with her parents and three younger siblings. She will be attending Bethlehem University majoring in Nursing. Her sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. S. Dutta of San Antonio, Texas.

Daniella Makhlouf resides in Jericho with her parents and younger siblings. She is planning to attend Bethlehem University and major in English Literature. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Dina Toubassi resides in Jerusalem with her parents and her older brother and sister. She plans to attend Hebrew University and major in Languages. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Elizabeth Abu Aita resides in Beit-Sahour, a suburb of Bethlehem, with her parents and one younger sister. She is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University and major in Engineering. Her sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. P. Meyers of Banner Elk, NC

Emily Khoury resides in Jerusalem with her parents and four brothers and sisters. She plans to attend Bethlehem University and to major in Accounting. Her sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. John Astrab of Tarpon Springs, FL.

Fadi Hreimat lives in Jerusalem with his parents and his siblings. He plans to attend Bir-Zeit Univeristy and to major in Speech Therapy. His sponsor is FFHL.

Flora Abu-Sleimeh resides in Bethlehem and has one younger sister. She is planning to attend Bethlehem University majoring in Nursing. Her sponsors are Cradling Christianity in Columbus, Ohio.

Ibrahim Kheir resides in Beit Sahour with his parents and one older brother. He plans to attend Al-Najah National University in Nablus in Samaria and to major in Art/Music. His sponsor is FFHL.

Issa Najjar resides in Jerusalem with his parents and one younger sibling. He is planning to attend Bethlehem University and major in Business Administration. His sponsor is Mr. Nicholas Degel of Orlando, FL.

Issa Salman resides in Bethlehem with his parents and two younger siblings. He will be attending Bethlehem University and will be majoring in Nursing. His sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Ordinario of South Lake, TX

John Misleh lives in Jerusalem with his parents and one younger sister. He is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University outside of Jerusalem and will be majoring in Engineering. His sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Richard Touissant of Dallas, Texas.

FFHL’s Largest Class of College Scholarship Grants

In September 2013, thirty-eight Christian students received university scholarship grants towards their B.A. and M.A. degrees. Thirty-three were awarded undergraduate grants while five recipients were awarded graduate grants. “This is a day of rejoicing for our young Christians who have now been given real and concrete help for their future in the Holy Land,” stated Fr. Pizzaballa, OFM Custos and Chairman of the FFHL. “The Custody’s Foundation continues to make greater strides in providing more and more Christian students with a college education, an accomplishment that we are very proud of. Needless to say, we are also very thankful to the many Catholics and fellow Christians in the United States who have so graciously taken up the challenge to become sponsors for these students through their financial backing.”

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Jumana Al Sadi lives in Bethlehem with her parents and two younger siblings. She plans to attend Bethlehem University and major in English Literature. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Lana Sabat lives in Bethlehem with her parents and younger siblings. She is plan-ning to attend Jordan University for Science and Technology and will be majoring in Pharmacy. Her sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Richard Touissant of Dallas, TX.

Lara Kamar lives with her parents and two younger siblings in Jerusalem. She is planning to attend Hebrew University in Jerusalem and will be majoring in Ac-counting. Her sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. James Burke of Dallas, TX.

Lina Asmari lives in Bethlehem with her parents and two siblings. She is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University and major in Journalism. Her sponsors are the Estate of Edward J. Hahn in care of St. Domi-nic Catholic Church in Panama City, FL.

Lourd Morcos lives in Bethlehem with her parents and younger brother and sis-ter. She will be attending Bir-Zeit Univer-sity outside of Jerusalem and plans to major in Law. Her sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. William Field of Dallas, TX.

Manuel Fatouleh resides in Jerusalem with his parents and younger brother. He plans to attend An-Nojah National Univer-sity in Nablus in Samaria and to major in Medicine. His sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. E. Kaleff, Jr. of Claremont, CA.

Maroun Daw resides in Ramleh with his parents and two younger brother and sister. He plans to major in Medicine at Tel Aviv University. His sponsor is FFHL.

Miral Khoury lives in Jerusalem with her parents and three younger siblings. She plans to attend the American Arab Univer-sity in Jenin in northern Israel and to major in Dentistry. Her sponsor is Cradling Christianity in Columbus, OH.

Mousa Abdel Ahad lives in Beit-Jala, a suburb of Bethlehem, with his parents and one brother. He plans to attend the Middle East Aviation Academy in pursuit of becoming an airline pilot. His sponsor is FFHL.

Nancy Hazboun resides in Bethlehem with her parents and one brother. She is planning to attend Bethlehem University and major in Science. Her sponsor is the Rev. Charles Weber Scholarship Memorial Fund.

Nataly Hreimat lives in Beit Hanina, near Jerusalem, with her parents and two younger siblings. She will attend Bethlehem University and to major in Accounting. Her sponsors are Ms. Mary A. Fowler of Boca Raton, FL and Mr. James David of Miami, FL.

Natasha Baboun lives in Bethlehem with her mother and four brothers and sisters. She is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University and major in Journalism. Her sponsor is Cradling Christianity in Columbus, OH

Rawan Shahine lives in Jerusalem with his parents and younger brother. She plans to attend Hebrew University and to major in Medicine. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Ronza Abu Sa’da resides in Beit-Sahour, a suburb of Bethlehem, with her parents and one younger brother. She is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University and majoring in Political Science. Her sponsor is The Archbishop Pietro Sambi, DD Scholarship Memorial.

Roudeen Najjar resides in Jerusalem with her parents and two brothers and sisters. She is planning to attend Bir-Zeit University and to major in Speech Therapy. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Samer Handal lives in Bethlehem with his parents and two younger siblings. He plans to attend Jordan University of Science and Technology in Amman and to major in Medicine. His sponsor is FFHL.

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Tracy Nasser lives in Bethlehem with her parents and her two older sisters and one younger brother. She is planning to attend Bethlehem University and major in Business Administration. Her sponsors are Mr. and Mrs. J. Anderson of La Jolla, CA.

Vahe Shemmessian resides in Jerusalem with his parents and one younger sister. He is planning to attend American Arab University in Jenin in Samaria and to major in Dentistry. His sponsor is FFHL.

Yolla Abu Ill-Zulof lives in Beit-Sahour with her parents and two younger siblings. She is planning to attend Al-Najah University in Nablus in Samaria and will be majoring in Ophthalmology. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Fadi Ballout is from Bethlehem and attended El-Quds University located in Abu Dis in Jerusalem and graduated with a B.A. in Dentistry in 2012. He is planning to attend the University of Jordan in Amman for his M.A. in Periodontology. His sponsor is FFHL.

Ihab Mishirki is from Jerusalem and attended Bir-Zeit University. He graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Informational Teaching. He will be going on for his M.A. in Computer Science at Hadassa Academic College in Jerusalem. His sponsor is FFHL.

Michline Mansour is from Jerusalem and did her undergraduate studies at Hebrew University and received her B.A. in Political Science in 2013. She is planning to go on for her M.A. in Internal Auditing at Bar-lllan University in Jerusalem. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Tamara Fallas is from Jerusalem. She did her undergraduate program at Hadassah Academic College and graduated with a B.A. in 2009 in Ophthalmology She will now be attending the same college for her M.A. in Advanced Ophthalmology. Her sponsor is FFHL.

Thaer Hassan is from Jerusalem and completed his undergraduate studies at Hebrew University with a B.A. in Accounting in 2013. He will now be taking graduate courses towards his M.A. in Financial Management at the same University. His sponsor is FFHL.

Help us celebrate!Keep your eyes open for the many ways we will celebrate God’s providence over these years:History of Achievements, Multi-media Timeline, Success Stories, Past Photos Gallery, and more…

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phi 1:6)(NABRE)

The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land celebrates 20 years of safeguarding the Christian Presence in the Holy Land this year

1994 – 20TH ANNIVERSARY – 2014

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Donors Enable Roof of the Church of All Nations to be Renovated The façade of the Basilica of All Nations

tops a monumental staircase rising to its doors. The often-visited church overlooks the Kidron Valley directly across from the ancient Golden Gate and the Old City of Jerusalem. It was through this valley that Jesus was dragged by the temple guards who went out to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is not the façade that has gotten attention these days but what is atop the Church of All Nations - the roof.

Recently, artisans from Trentin, Italy finished restoring the roof of the basilica at Gethsemane. Adriano and Matteo Plaga, father and son, and a handful of tinsmiths worked diligently to complete the scheduled ongoing restoration.

Clarifying their profession, Plaga said, “We are tinsmiths. There are a lot of people who say roofers… but we are tinsmiths, metal-working artisans!” And their art is something they take great pride in doing.

Though the leaden covering of the church appeared to be in good condition the reality was that it was old - almost 100 years old. The roof needed work so as not to risk any water damage to the incredible mosaics that complete the interior below. These mosaics are something our pilgrims are very familiar with seeing. But it might be that only tinsmiths are interested in talking about a metal roof. What makes the story interesting for those of us who are not

metalworking artisans is the story of how the family got the job.

“I fell from a roof while I was working,” Adriano Plaga said. “I fell between eight and fifteen meters [26-49 feet]. The only thing that happened to me was a broken arm and a bruised mouth. I told myself: I have to go and thank the Lord that I’m still here!” And so Adriano made a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to the Holy Land.

During the pilgrimage, his arm still encased in the plaster cast, Plaga met Fr. Michele Piccirillo and learned of his need for some work. “Why not,” Adriano asked himself. At the time he was still working alone and he thought that his work proposal would stay behind in Jerusalem and never be

realized. It wasn’t long, however, before Fr. Piccirillo contacted him and entrusted him with the restoration of the roof of the little church of the Franciscan monastery on Mount Nebo in Jordan. After s u c c e s s f u l l y completing that job, he worked on the memorial attached to the monastery before finally going to the Jerusalem where

he would begin work on the rooftop of the Basilica of All Nations. This is a very special location, visited by many each year, where one is given a privileged view of Jerusalem and the olive groves. For Adriano in speaking of his work, he says, “It is an honor.”

In 2001, Adriano decided to entrust his son Matteo with managing his small business, although he had not yet been involved in the family business prior. Like the prodigal son, he returned home after a brief adventure in the sky. “I decided to be an airline pilot. I did that for three or four months, but… it wasn’t my life,” Matteo said as he stood between two of Gethsemane’s cupolas. “Then I came home and said: Papa, I’ve come back to help you.” And he answered, “Excellent! Here, there is always work!”

“So I followed in my father’s footsteps and became a tinsmith,” said Matteo. “It was probably always in my blood all the time!”

“Working with lead is not simple; it is an art that gives the satisfaction of creating something, seeing it come into being and grow. It is very tiring, but you don’t always feel it,” continues Adriano. “If you just think about where you are - It’s an honor to be here and to be able to lose yourself in a few thoughts, a few prayers.” Sometimes you have to get some perspective, even from a rooftop, to understand that there is still more to what is meant by the Latin phrase coined by St. Benedict, “ora et labora” (pray and work).

Artisans from Trentin, Italy worked diligently to restore the roof of the Basilica of the Agony, also called the Church of All Nations.

As a tinsmith, Matteo Plaga is following in his father’s footsteps. He says, “working on roofs means being closer to the sky and it enables me to join my work and prayer.”

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FFHL Social Media by the Numbers

April 2013 — December 2013Facebook: 262 8969 FansTwitter: 0 336 FollowersPinterest: 0 569 PinsBlog: 0 12456 Pageviews

Franciscan Boys Home is Focused on Formation for the Future

The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land is proud to announce that Fr. Marwan Di’des, OFM, and his staff at the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem, will continue to support young boys into the New Year… thanks to donations collected by the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL). Many destitute boys living in the Holy Land will receive educational and recreational support from Fr. Marwan and the staff at the Franciscan Boys Home.

Stories of youth experiencing great hardship are not unusual for Fr. Marwan as he runs the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem in the Palestinian Authority. The Boys Home is funded by the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land along with 13 other programs and projects.

Fr. Marwan says that the Franciscan Boys Home plans to of fer its 33 young residents and 17 additional boys that come daily the chance to participate in a variety of programs in 2014. Some of these programs are recreation-based. Some are education-based. For these 50, all will be formation-based.

Fr. Marwan is no simple friar when it comes to practical experience. He is a seasoned educator and administrator. Not only Director of the Franciscan Boys Home but also of 14 schools within the Terra Sancta Schools jurisdiction. As a priest, he has also served as pastor for a number of parishes.

“Education includes two very essential things,” he says, “information and formation.” According to Fr. Marwan, formation takes first place.

“You can provide a child with information. That is good in most cases but what he does with it, we won’t know. Formation enables him to use the information in a way that betters him and society as a whole. It involves the entire boy, inside and out.”

“A better way of life is something that the young boys and all Christians in the Holy Land desire,” says Marwan. “It is vital to enable Christians to remain in the Holy Land.” Consisting of less than 10% of the population of Bethlehem, and less than 2% of the total population of the Holy Land, Christians are the minority. In facing discrimination on many fronts, education and formation are necessary for their

ability to overcome adversity, according to Fr. Marwan.

“Life is difficult for everyone but especially for Christians in the Holy Land,” he laments. “Formation helps the boys and girls at the home and the school to be ready to face the problems of the future. It enables them to develop peaceful and successful solutions to many problems that face Christians in this land.”

Watching some of his former students interviewed by representatives of the FFHL, Fr. Marwan swelled with pride. “You see, they believe they are here for a purpose! Formation has helped them discover their mission. Everyone has a vocation. But our students recognize that their vocation is part of their mission to become successful and remain in the Holy Land.”

All smiles, Fr. Marwan spoke words meant more for himself than us, “Yes. You see. We really are making a difference in their lives. Formation is key.” There will be little doubt that formation is on the top of his priority list as this New Year gets underway.

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In the Spotlight Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Current

The Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, added his signature alongside those of the Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, and representatives of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Churches to a document entrusting the restoration of the roof, the columns and the windows at the Basilica of the Nativity of Bethlehem to the Italian company Piacenti.

Interestingly, studies of the roof performed in 2010 revealed that five different types of wood constitute the present structure. The oldest, cedar beams, date from the 6th and 7th centuries! Also present are oak, which does grow in the Middle East. Advanced tree ring analysis dates these trees to the beginning of the 15th century, coming from the eastern Italian Alps. This analysis is confirmed by the archives that explain how in the 15th century the Republic of Venice, whose sovereignty then extended to the eastern Alps, had contributed the wood necessary for the restoration of the church.

These are the most current happenings at the Church of the Nativity. But you might be interested in the history of this sanctuary that marks the site of the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the year 4 BC.

The Roman Period

When Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, Bethlehem was fortunately spared. The holy place was already a site of worship by the first Christians who venerated the cave in which Jesus had been born. Sadly, the emperor Hadrian decided to construct a pagan temple above the Grotto of the Nativity, so as to destroy all signs of Christianity, as had already occurred with the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Due to the brutal repressions many Judeo-Christians departed, leaving the town in the hands of pagans who continued with their religion.

The Roman-Byzantine Period

Religious freedom was proclaimed following the Edict of Milan

in 313 AD, and a new era began for all the places of Christian worship. With the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and through the strong will of the Empress Helena, construction works began at the Church of the Nativity, thus restoring a measure of dignity to the holy place preserved within.

The work was finished in 333. Bethlehem became a great religious center and, with the arrival of St. Jerome in 384, a new phase began as the town became a magnet for a new monastic way of life.

Land and sanctuary rights

The sanctuary, which was not mentioned by Clement VI in either of his bulls in 1342, was granted to the Franciscans by Sultan al-Muzaffar Hajji in 1346-1347.

In 1558 the Muslim and Christian leaders of Bethlehem declared that the burial places of the town belonged to the Franciscans, and in its verdict of May 1566 the tribunal in Jerusalem established that the entire sanctuary of the Nativity was owned by the Frankish religious who were entitled to manage the opening and closing of the church.

In 1619, the Grotto of the Nativity, whose ownership had unjustly been awarded to the Greeks, was then restored to the Latins who in 1717 placed a new silver star at the site of the Nativity. With the proclamation of the Status Quo, the question of property rights was clarified once and for all.

(All information courtesy of the Custody of the Holy Land. All right reserved. 2014)

Since the 13th Century, Franciscans have been the majority for religious of the Latin Rite in Bethlehem and in other sacred sites throughout the Holy Land.

Restoration work has begun on the Church of the Nativity, reinforcing the current framework and reframing the basilica windows.

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Nicholas J. BabiakNicholas J. Babiak, is the President

and CEO of SKYLET, Inc., a Company that provides executive management services in support of DOD, commercial and academic interests and short-term position trading of equities. Mr. Babiak has over thirty years’ experience as a senior executive, commercial business development, senior program manager, technologist, and senior science advisor for commercial industry, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the United States Air Force. He has extensive experience in virtually every phase of military science and technology. He is a recipient of the Department of Defense’s Top Award for program management, the “Pioneer Award,” has Top Secret, SCI clearances, and was promoted to the Rank of Air Force Colonel four years before contemporaries. Before his current position he was a professional options trader of equities utilizing the Chicago Board of Trade and other exchanges. Previously, Mr. Babiak served as Vice President of Business Development, Cambridge Research Associates. When serving in the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant, he was the Air Force nominee for the United States Jaycees Ten Most Outstanding Men in America. Mr. Babiak holds the rank of Knight Commander, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

James N. Corrigan, Jr.“Jimmy” was born and raised in

Washington, DC where he currently resides with his wife and two children. He graduated from Lawrenceville School in 1985, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Denison University in 1989. After a brief stint of working on Capitol Hill, he transitioned from politics to the private sector by entering the financial services industry in 1993. Jimmy has served the past ten years as a Principal and Financial Advisor with Brown Advisory Securities, LLC, and prior to that had spent ten years with Prudential Securities.

Jimmy has served on the Board of The Woodrow Wilson House, which is a privately funded, non-profit corporation and a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition, he just completed his five year term on the Board of the Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington, where he served as Vice President and Chair of the Audit Committee. He is presently serving on the Immaculate Conception Church Sesquicentennial Restoration Committee.

Joseph S. ParesiJoseph Paresi is currently the Chairman

and Chief Executive Officer as well as founder of IDSS Holdings, Inc. in Armonk, New York. IDDS is comprised of two divisions that include Government Services which offer solutions and services for the Defense and Intelligence community, and Security Solutions which focuses on Explosive Detection Systems, Personnel Screening and Information Management. Mr. Paresi is the Principle of TASK Consulting, Inc., which supports the development of outside business in high-technology areas. He has served on the Board of Director’s at Rand Worldwide, Inc., QRS Technologies, Inc., Annis Tech, Inc., International Association of Airport Executives, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and AMP Electric Vehicles. He attended Manhattan College where he received his Master of Electrical Engineering Degree. In 1988, he attended Defense Systems Management College, and in 1991 graduated from Pace University-Lubin School of Business where he received his MBA/APC Finance Degree. Mr. Paresi resides with his wife and family in Armonk, New York.

FFHL Welcomes Our New Board Members

Helping to safeguard the Christian presence

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Born to Eternal Life: Brother Callistus Welch

This past October 14, on the Feast of St. Callistus, Pope and Martyr, longtime Franciscan friar, Brother Callistus Welch, passed onto eternal life. Brother Callistus served the poor in different places throughout his 52 years as a Franciscan and will be missed by many. His most recent role was to serve as the treasurer for the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land. It was a job he did with devotion and care.

Born in 1931, in Walsall, England, he travelled to the United States as a young man

of eighteen years. He first resided in South Carolina before moving to Washington, D.C. where he joined the Custody of the Holy Land at the Franciscan Monastery in 1957.

Br. Callistus was trained as a tertiary brother working as a sacristan, receptionist, and at the monastery gift shop. He was later invested with the First Order habit on October 15, 1960 at the Novitiate of St. John the Baptist Province in Cincinnati, Ohio. He made his First Profession a year later on October 16, 1961.

Returning to Washington D.C., he worked in various offices using his skills in the Commissariat Development Office, the Financial Office, and then serving as Vice-Commissary, and Vicar under many administrations.

In 1994, Callistus was appointed Guardian and Commissary, positions he held until 1998 while remaining Commissary until 2004. During that timeframe he was appointed Treasurer of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land in 1994.

He celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2011!

Because of failing health, Brother Callistus retired to Hospice Care at Carroll Manor Nursing Home in Washington, D.C. until his death in the early hours of October 14, 2013, the day he celebrated as his namesake’s feast day.

Br. Callistus was 81 years of age when he died and 52 years professed.

We remember this brother with solicitude in our prayers so that he may shine forth in the joyous mercy of the Father.

Br. Callistus Welch, OFM, most recently served as Treasurer of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land.

Endearingly called Brother Cal, Br. Callistus truly served in the Franciscan Way. He was honored for his life and work by Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM.

Despina Athanas ConstantinidesDespina Athanas Constantinides has earned a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, a Master’s

degree in Business Administration, and an advanced certification from e-Cornell University in Strategic Human Resources. She is currently working as human resources for UNICEF’s Jerusalem office. This type of resume is now giving her hope for a promising future and the ability to stay in her homeland.

It all began with a scholarship from the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL) to Berzeit University in the West Bank. Following graduation, Despina was hired as a senior accountant with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Later on the Franciscan Foundation once again supported me so I could receive my Master’s degree,” she says.

In 2008, she was hired by the United Nations to work in its Jerusalem UNICEF office where she was working at the human resources department in order to help Palestinian children. Her work also included two months deployment to Libya, one month in Iraq and another month in northern Iraq as a response for the recent Syrian crisis.

She points out that FFHL scholarships “are really making a difference” in the lives of Palestinian students, and she admits that without the scholarships she received, she would “never have been able to achieve any of my professional and educational goals.”

Where Are They Now?

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Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land

P.O. Box 29086

Washington, DC 20017

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDIndianapolis, INPermit No. 9502

Pilgrimages to Benefit the Work of the Franciscan FoundationJoin Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM, on a

pilgrimage of faith:

• May 8-18, 2014,

• We still need a number of pilgrims to register for this pilgrimage. FFHL Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM

• Nov. 26 – Dec. 6, 2014, FFHL Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Peter Vasko, OFM

These pilgrimages exploring the Holy Land will provide an opportunity to open a new chapter in your own faith journey and your own response to God’s generous grace. Now is the time to reach out in support of our Palestinian Christians. Your presence can make a difference.

For information or to receive a brochure call toll free (866) 905-3787