As Catholics commemorate Jesus’ passion on Good Friday, the Vatican is asking them to support the church in the Holy Land with their prayers, and financial contributions The collection ensures not only that the shrines remain open to pilgrims , but that local Christians are able to stay in their homeland. The Christian community has remained in the region down through the centuries, even at the cost of great sacrifice and martyrdom.” Funds gathered support young families, parishes, seminaries, schools, hospitals and clinics, refugees and small businesses.