BETHLEHEM, 9 (NE) The first synod ever held by the Catholic Church in the Holy Land began yesterday in Bethlehem, gathering representatives from the different Catholic rites from Israel, the Palestinian areas, Jordan and Cyprus. More than 300 bishops, priests, religious and lay people inaugurated this important Church event in the city where the Lord Jesus was born 2000 years ago. Those gathered will reflect on the different apostolic plans to encourage the life of Catholics in the Holy Land, a minority often subject to pressures and attacks.

    The Synod will last five days. "It is the first time that we have this synod since the beginning of our existence as Christians in this land," emphasized the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, before the opening ceremony. Representatives of the Latin, Greek, Maronite, Syrian, Armenian and Chaldean rites were present in the event. The gathering of Catholics in the Holy Land is expected to be an important moment to decide several action guidelines for the next years.

    Patriarch Sabbah informed as well that Pope John Paul II will present during his visit to the Holy Land the final document for the pastoral plan that will be elaborated to encourage the life of the Church in this region. The meeting will also be a good moment to reflect on the preparation for the future pilgrimage of the Holy Father to the Holy Land.