NAZARETH, Israel, NOV. 9, 2005 (Zenit.org).- A bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is promoting a new high-tech multimedia center dedicated to Mary of Nazareth.
The project is coordinated by the Mary of Nazareth Association, which arose in France. Auxiliary Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo is the delegate of the Assembly of the Bishops of the Holy Land whose goal is to support the initiative.
The Marian center is being established, using buildings around the Basilica of the Annunciation, to focus on the mystery of the Mother of God.
In a statement to ZENIT today, Bishop Marcuzzo explained that the project is a «small miracle» of «unity and peace,» as it has united for the first time the churches of the Holy Land: Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant.
The bishop said that the Jewish authorities favor this project and that it has the support of Muslim believers who venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary.
«When you hear talk of the Holy Land, unfortunately you hear about conflicts, war, terrorism, violence, death,» he said. «Here is a project that unites Christians of all denominations, including Protestants, and finally also Muslims and Jews.»
Providential
The prelate described as «providential» the way in which the buildings near the basilica have been purchased, «next to the place in which the great mystery of the Incarnation was realized.» Such purchases seemed impossible just a few years ago, he said.
Twelve other similar centers around the world are being established.
The prelate is confident that the center will be very useful for the local Church, which «really needs it,» to be able to carry out «a pastoral program of the holy places.»
Bishop Marcuzzo, 60, explained that the project needs the support of Christians to be consolidated and believes it is an effective way to support the Holy Land.
