Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – From Bethlehem, which “which saw the birth of the Prince of Peace”, the Franciscan Friars of the Custody of the Holy Land “raise incessant prayers” that the “the two nations that have in this Holy Land their homeland may live together reconciled, on the basis of reciprocal recognition of their equal dignity, and of their equal right to security and freedom.” These are but two of the points mentioned in the message the Custody of the Holy Land released after its chapter ended in Bethlehem. Here is its full text:

The Friars Minor of the Custody of the Holy Land meeting in Chapter in Bethlehem, next to the Grotto of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, forty years after the War of June 1967, note with regret that even today peace does not yet reign in the Holy Land, which remains torn by the conflict that divides its two Peoples and pits them one against the other.

Being in Bethlehem precisely at this time, it is incumbent upon us to recall the constant closeness of the Friars Minor to the much tried civilian population of this city where Our Lord Jesus Christ was born, as well as to that of Jerusalem and of other cities of the Region. Such closeness was in evidence in a particular way during the War whose 40th anniversary is now sadly being marked. At that time the Friars gave shelter within their own establishments to the terrified and needy civilians, aided them, and dissuaded them from leaving Bethlehem. Such solidarity has never been lacking in the years that have followed, and is in fact being shown, vigorously and efficaciously, also during the present – singularly difficult – phase.

The Friars Minors themselves have also experienced in their own persons the dangers inherent in wartime conditions. This was so forty years ago, but then also five years ago. Indeed five years ago the Friars resisted with heroic faithfulness the pressures upon them to abandon the Holy Place of the Nativity. In fact they defended strenuously its deepest significance for all humanity.

“Witnesses of Hope,” and called to be “artisans of reconciliation and peace,” we do, at this Holy Place, renew our promise of fidelity to the mission entrusted to us by the Church to safeguard it, and to proclaim and spread its saving Message. At the same time – and inseparably – we likewise renew our commitment to persevering closeness to the citizens of Bethlehem.

From Bethlehem, which saw the birth of the Prince of Peace, we raise incessant prayers that God change all “hearts of stone” into “hearts of flesh.” We pray that the Holy Spirit guide the “Rulers of the Nations,” inspire them to follow more merciful policies, and guide them along the ways that lead to peace. We pray that thus directed from above the two nations that have in this Holy Land their homeland may live together reconciled, on the basis of reciprocal recognition of their equal dignity, and of their equal right to security and freedom.