Contributions by the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton were recognized Oct. 18 by Franciscan Father David Grenier, Commissariat of the Holy Land USA, on behalf of the Holy Land Franciscans.
The 2022 Pontifical Good Friday Collection, taken up annually during Holy Week, received $150,758.15 from the Diocese. These funds assist Christians and pilgrims in the Holy Land, providing for pastoral care, schools, housing, employment, refugee assistance and services for the vulnerable young and elderly.
“The Franciscan Friars thank you for your help and generosity,” wrote Father Grenier in a letter to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. “As needs have increased due to the pandemic, we are ever grateful for your generosity and support.”
The funds also support the sacred shrines entrusted to the care of the Holy Land Franciscans the past 800 years, which are visited by more than 1.5 million pilgrims annually.