Nazareth (Fides Service) - The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah sent a letter to the Bishops of the Holy Land asking for special prayers for Pope John Paul II. Auxiliary Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo told Fides. “The Patriarch called on Latin rite Catholics in the Holy Land to offer special prayers for the health of the Pope particularly today, Friday in Lent when the faithful make the traditional Stations of the Cross with deep devotion” Bishop Marcuzzo told Fides. “Moreover special prayers for the Holy Father will be offered during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Haifa on Thursdays and in Nazareth on Fridays. In this special Year of the Eucharist convoked by the Pope Christian communities all over the Holy Land are spending more time in adoration of the mysterious Eucharistic presence of the living Lord and now this is an added opportunity to pray for the Holy Father. At Sunday Masses this weekend there will also be extra prayers for the Pope” Bishop Marcuzzo told Fides.
“Patriarch Sabbah has also enlisted the help of contemplative religious in the Holy Land, to guarantee non stop prayers for the Pope night and day” the Bishop told Fides. “However, I must say that concern for the Pope is general here in the Holy Land. People are following the developments of his health condition and I think this is highly significant” concluded Bishop Marcuzzo. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2005 righe 21 parole 240)