Cardinal says Holy Land pilgrimages elevate Gospel understanding

Published: 2003-11-25

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Pilgrimages to the Holy Land elevate the understanding of the Gospel to another level, said Cardinal Pio Laghi, who led a group of 50 Italian pilgrims on a Nov. 24-27 visit. "In a way, when you just study the Gospel, it remains flat. Coming here elevates your understanding of what the Gospel says," said Cardinal Laghi, a former nuncio to the United States and the retired head of the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education. Coming to the Holy Land not only benefits the pilgrim but also all the people living in the area, said Cardinal Laghi, who said he recommends that Catholic pilgrims return to the holy sites. "Our pilgrimages also benefit those here who are witnesses to the faith and who have been challenged because of the situation. We have to support them not only with our spirit of solidarity but also (we must) do something for them," he said.

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