For the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Holy Land Commission of the Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher was able to come to the Holy Land from September 18 to September 23, for a tour of the diocese led by Sami El-Yousef, CEO of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Composed of members of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher – this year Professor Bart McGettrick, president of the Commission, and Dr. Detlef Brümmer, honorary governor – the Holy Land Commission is tasked with regularly visiting sites of the Latin Patriarchate to see the progress of the funded projects as well as the viability of future projects, in order to choose which to support in priority. This year, from Bethlehem University to the parish of Fuheis, the Knights were able to have a varied view of the progress and future of LPJ projects in Palestine and Jordan. Here is a look back at their tour in photos.

According to Sami El-Yousef, "the Commission was very impressed by all the accomplishments made since their last visit. They both expressed joy and great appreciation at what they witnessed: the advancement of management and administrative structures; the development of physical facilities and the full implementation of many projects under the difficult conditions of the pandemic; the enthusiasm of the priests, teachers, students, the youth and administrators towards their mission in the Church; and more importantly the care to the poor during the pandemic and beyond through the various humanitarian programs, including care to refugees and those most in need. Both expressed their desire to recommend to the Grand Magisterium to increase funding, when possible, for the pastoral, humanitarian, and other projects of the Patriarchate, given what they see as the great needs in these areas."