” “"The thousands of pilgrims states father Macora include Italians, who always come in great numbers, but we also see Nigerians, Koreans, Americans and of course people from European countries. Add to that some simple tourists attracted by the historical and archaeological sights of this land". "There’s some calm today, but many devotees are in Galilee, waiting to move to Jerusalem for Palm Sunday. So, it’s easy to see Arabs, Israelis and also Muslims in the Sepulchre". According to the priest, "the pilgrims are attracted to the Holy Land not just by the Easter season, which is a favourite with Christians, but also by some stability in terms of security. Pilgrims he adds are not a target at all, and their movements are safe, as safe as the sights are". "The most deeply-felt celebrations concludes the director of Cicts are the procession of Palm Sunday on to the Mount of Olives, presided by the patriarch of Jerusalem, mgr. Sabbah. Protestants too take part in this procession. Then, there’s the Holy Hour at Gethsemane, on Thursday at 8 pm, which is impressive not only for the number of people taking part in it, but also for the silence and emotion of the devotees. The highlight is Good Friday, with the Way of the Cross and the Pontifical Mass at 8 am at the Sepulchre on Easter Sunday".” “
