U.S. Leads in Support of Christian Holy Places

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

The United States leads all nations in the support of the Christian Holy Places. This was disclosed by the Rt. Rev. Aurelius Marotta, Custos of Palestine and Guardian of Mount Sion, who is now on a visit to the United States. This is the first time that an incumbent of the post of Custos of the Holy Land has visited this country. He is at present a guest at Mt. St. Sepulchre, the Franciscan Commisariat of Palestine here.

“France once occupied the place the United States has obtained” the Custos said in a statement to the National Welfare Conference news service. “Since the World War France has had to relinquish its place of eminence to this country,” he said.

“Americans,” the Rev. Marotta said, “had a great deal to do with the rebuilding of the Basilica of Mount Tabor and the Basilica of Gethsemane, particularly the former work. These two projects, the first to be achieved in this direction in Palestine, became possible and were accomplished in 1925. The Franciscans are now engaged in the rebuilding of the Basilica of the Annunciation at Nazareth. This work will require five years for completion and it is expected Catholies in the United States will play a further and important part in this work,” said the ?ustos.

It was pointed out in the interview that the a?vivties of the Catholic Near East Wel?are Association do not extend to the Eoly Places. In this connection it was explained how these shrites are maintaned.

The first means of support of this work is the Good friday collection taken up in all churches. The second is the Crusede of the Holy Land, which is d?ected from Washington and in which the members contribtie 25 cents a year and seek to maintain interest in the Holy Places.”

Until 1847 the Custos of the Holy Land was bead of all the Catholic missions in the Near East. He still te##ins that position with reference to the Franciscan missions. which are in Palastine. Sy?is. Armenia cyprus and Egypt.