5 March 2008

Pilgrims Reunite to Support Bethlehem University

In an expression of solidarity and support for Palestinian students a group of pilgrims who took part in the Liverpool Archdiocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage in September 2007 regrouped late last year with the aim of collecting funds for Bethlehem University .

As part of their trip to the Holy Land , the pilgrims, 81 in total, had visited the University in September 2007 under the leadership of Bishop Vincent Malone, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Liverpool. “It is greatly to the University's credit that our visit there, in the course of our pilgrimage to many sacred shrines, remains such a significant feature for our pilgrims,” Bishop Malone said.

Shortly after their return, with the assistance of Ms. Teresa McLaughlin, the pilgrims collected a total of £1,475 and forwarded it to Bethlehem University as an Epiphany Gift, a portion of which they wanted to be used to plant an olive tree on the University campus in gratitude for the spiritual guidance of Bishop Malone and to express their hopes and prayers for peace in the Holy Land. Their generous support is deeply appreciated (please see list of donors) . “During the festive season I received so many wonderful messages from the pilgrims, which spoke of their treasured memories of Terra Santa, Bethlehem University and especially that Little Town of Bethlehem,” Teresa commented. Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, said, "Without this spiritual and financial support, our efforts would not be sufficient to enable us to be of service to those entrusted to us".

The UK Holy Land Pilgrimage Group has been active in organizing support for Bethlehem University .