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Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Invites HCEF President to Attend Papal Holy Land Visit
08-Mar-00
Contact: Paul G. Zurkowski
301-608-2166
paulz@hcef.org
When His Holiness Pope John Paul II sets foot on the land where Jesus walked, the president of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), Rateb Rabie, and eucharistic minister at the Shrine of St. Jude Parish in Rockville, Maryland, will be among the official delegation. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Michel Sabbah, will host the Pope's seven days in Jordan and the Holy Land, March 20-27, 2000.
In his invitation to Mr. Rabie, the Latin Patriarch took special note of the work of HCEF stating his "sincere appreciation for all what the HCEF is doing for the promotion of the cause of justice and peace in the Holy Land, and especially for all that you are doing to protect the Christian presence in this land. It is with great pleasure that I extend to you an invitation to mark this historic occasion with us."
This will be the first Papal visit to the Holy Land since 1966. The official delegation being assembled by the Latin Patriarch will include many American bishops and lay people. "It is truly a great honor to be invited," Rateb Rabie said, "I look forward to the opportunity to share the work of HCEF with others in the welcoming group." His wife, Rocio, will accompany Mr. Rabie.
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