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In their words: Hopes for Pope Francis’ Holy Land visit
By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM — Pope Francis has emphasized that the main purpose of his May 24-26 visit to the Holy Land is ecumenical, but many in Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories are...
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Tight security, traffic jams concern Israelis, Palestinians
By Judith Sudilovsky BETHLEHEM, West Bank – Pope Francis’ Mass in Manger Square in Bethlehem will be the only opportunity for local faithful to participate in the papal visit. Pilgrims filled Manger...
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Survey: Christians would leave Holy Land’s cities
By Judith Sudilovsky BEIT JALLA, West Bank – Nearly two-thirds of Christians in Jerusalem and the West Bank cities of Ramallah and Bethlehem said in a survey that they would emigrate if given a chance,...
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Heads up: Don’t read this blog if you’re hungry
By Judith Sudilovsky BETHLEHEM, West Bank — When Casa Nova head Chef Elias Akroush, 33, learned that Pope Francis would be lunching with five Palestinian families at the pilgrim guesthouse where he...
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The more personal side of a patriarch
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, considered first among equals of all Orthodox patriarchs, arrived in the Holy Land May 23. As he was waiting for his historic visit with Pope...
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From Gaza, pain and weariness in the voice of a pastor
By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM — I have not been able to reach Father Jorge Hernandez, the Argentine priest of Gaza’s Holy Family Parish, for some days now. In the morning yesterday I spoke with one of...
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In midst of refugee hardship, there is kindness and laughter
Editor’s Note: The author is international editor at Catholic News Service and is on a reporting trip to the Middle East sponsored by Catholic Relief Services. AMMAN, Jordan – The stories sound so much...
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Petra: Of ancient history and context
The largest and most impressive of all the ruins in Petra, a funeral chamber known popularly known as “The Treasury.” (CNS/Mark Pattison) By Mark Pattison PETRA, Jordan –- Imagine going to your...
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Meeting with Holocaust survivors — in living rooms
Holocaust survivor Eliezer Rozenman speaks to a class of middle school students in Tel Aviv April 15, the eve of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. The students met with Rozenman in the living room of...
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In week of wonders, Melkite wedding was one of the best
The bride and groom wear crowns at a Melkite Catholic wedding in Jordan. (CNS/Mark Pattison) By Mark Pattison ADER, Jordan — Melkite Catholic Father Boulos Paul, we were told, was too busy to...
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