The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff announced in a press statement that those attending the Mass of the Last Supper presided over by the Pope «will be invited to make a charitable offering to support the Catholic community of Gaza.»
The note added that the offerings would be presented to the Holy Father during the Offertory.
As is tradition, Benedict XVI will preside at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Pope. The liturgy begins at 5:30.
«The Holy Father will preside at the Holy Mass and will wash the feet of 12 priests,» the note added.
Since February, 520 families have been receiving aid from Caritas Jerusalem.