The Good Friday collection in Catholic churches around the world is taken to benefit the Church in the Holy Land.

Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, has released his annual letter regarding the collection:

As is my annual practice, and by virtue of Papal directive, I now turn to all of the Pastors of the universal Church, with a view to seek assistance for the needs of a portion of the Church which is both forever old and forever young. I refer to Catholic Christians living in the Holy Land.

The first historical reference to this Collection for the Holy Land takes us back to the pontificate of Pope Martin V. In 1421 he promulgated norms to regulate the gathering of offerings on the Holy Land’s behalf. This collection has since been marked by Pontifical approval; was confirmed by diverse succeeding Pontiffs, and was applied directly and with utmost solicitude for the aid of the Christian community in the Land of the Lord

The Congregation for Eastern Churches shares in this concern, and stands always in solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land and those throughout the Middle East. We are aware, too, that the political and economic crisis of this area has not yet been resolved and shows evidence each day of unspeakable suffering. This situation impresses upon all of us that there is an absolute and urgent need to support our brothers and sisters in this land, and to do so in every possible manner. In particular, we continually invoke upon them that peace which comes only from the Most High.

What follows is a list of projects that were assisted by the 2006 collection. Interesting!