” “"Let pilgrims come back. The Holy Land is waiting for them". Now that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is over, and the peacekeeping troops are being deployed along the southern border of Lebanon, "all the conditions of peace and security are met, for the pilgrims to come back". This appeal comes from father Pierre Grech, secretary general of the Latin Bishops Conference in the Arab Regions (Celra). "Until a few months ago, the streets and the sanctuaries were overflowing with devotees he says to SIR , then the war dampened everyone. Now something is starting to move again, even if slowly. We confide in the next months leading up to Christmas". According to father Grech, "pilgrims are not just a source of income for the many Christians who live here, the majority live on religious tourism, but also an opportunity for peace and cohabitation. With their presence, they help our communities to stay too". According to estimates from Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, about 4 thousand pilgrims will soon leave for the Holy Land. Brevivet of Brescia announced that groups have already left and more are about to leave. "The situation poses no risks or dangers states Claudio Bonini, a consultant to Brevivet -. The holy places are all accessible and the groups that are already in the Holy Land are completing their pilgrimage in perfect peace". ” “
