Pilgrins of Hope in the Holy Land

At the beginning of 2025, IF Press published the English translation of the book “Pilgrims of Hope in the Holy Land” for the Jubilee, with the collaboration of some Professors and Alumni of APRA and other experts on the Holy Land, and with a Preface by Archbishop ADOLFO TITO C. YLLANA, Apostolic Nuncio in Israel, Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, and a Foreword by Fr. FRANCESCO PATTON, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land.

In warmly thanking all our professors and Alumni for their valuable contribution, we report below some quotes and insights.

Archbishop ADOLFO TITO C. YLLANA writes:

“This volume can be a valuable aid for those who will visit this land: they will find useful information, rich catechesis and precious ideas for meditation. But I also hope that it will accompany with benefit those who can make only a spiritual pilgrimage, helping them to better understand the grace of the holy places. […] If we are pilgrims towards Him, He too becomes a pilgrim towards us and comes to meet us. This is the “blessed hope” that “does not disappoint,” as Pope Francis reminds us, and that should animate every Christian. I wish all readers of this volume to find in these pages spiritual nourishment, support in their journey of faith and an invitation to remain steadfast in hope: the blessed hope of one day reaching the ultimate goal of our earthly pilgrimage, that is, the joyful encounter with the face of the risen Lord”.

And, in the introductory words of the publication, Fr. GONZALO MONZON, L.C. writes:

“This book aims to participate in the celebration of the 2025 Jubilee by offering a reflection on hope in such a significant context as the Holy Land. On the one hand, the study and deepening of the meaning and implications of hope for one’s life offer an effective way to live this special time of grace. On the other hand, the Holy Land reminds humanity of its condition as a pilgrim towards the Kingdom of Heaven, a condition that requires intense faith, living hope, active charity. The volume aims to promote the restoration of a climate of hope and trust in a historical period marked by uncertainty and confusion. It aims not only to become a source of inspiration for every person, but also to serve as a resource for study groups, parishes and pilgrims during the Jubilee period. Furthermore, the text can serve as a beacon of light for many people who find themselves in situations of frustration, desolation or discouragement, as it focuses on the spiritual depth and practical relevance of the theological virtue of hope. […] Hope in the Holy Land is a complex reality, rooted in a troubled past and projected towards a future of reconciliation and peace. It is a hope founded on a positive expectation, but lived in a problematic context. It is a hope that challenges and comforts, that provokes both action and contemplation. In these situations, marked by difficulties and the temptation of discouragement, humanity is called never to lose sight of the expectation of a better future and, more than ever, to face with hope the present realities – full of uncertainties and challenges”.

Below are the details of the authors who collaborated on the book, also available on Amazon in three different languages.

PREFACE

Archbishop ADOLFO TITO C. YLLANA, Apostolic Nuncio in Israel, Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine

FOREWORD

Fr. FRANCESCO PATTON, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land

INTRODUCTION

Fr. GONZALO MONZON, L.C., Sacerdos Institute of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum

AUTHORS

HABIB KHOURY, founder of Via Emmaus Tours, Jerusalem

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ CERNA, FSC, President of Bethlehem University

FRANCESCO GIOSUÈ VOLTAGGIO, Director of the Domus Bethaniae, canon of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre

ALESSANDRA SOLDATI, CRC, Spiritual Guide in the Holy Land and director of hospitality at the Duc in Altum Sanctuary, Magdala, Israel

Fr. FERNANDO DAVID MORALES LUGO, L.C., Vice-Chargé of the Holy See for the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, member of the board of directors of the Magdala Center

Fr. THOMAS MONTANARO, L.C., Director of Global Leadership Development of the Legionaries of Christ, Executive President of the Regina Apostolorum Foundation

Fr. DAVID STEFFY, L.C., Chargé of the Holy See and Director of the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, Cultural Attaché of the Vatican and Member of the Nunciature in Israel and the Apostolic Delegation for Jerusalem and Palestine

JOSEPH HAZBOUN, Regional Director of CNEWA, Pontifical Mission

TELESPHORA PAVLOU, Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Patrology and Biblical Greek at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, full professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Studium Theologicum Galilaeae of Corazim

Prof. GUIDO TRAVERSA, Academic Coordinator and lecturer at the European University of Rome, Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Philosophy at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum

Fr. PEDRO BARRAJÓN, L.C., Rector of the European University of Rome, Ordinary Member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, General Councilor of the Legionaries of Christ, Professor of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum

Fr. JESÚS VILLAGRASA, L.C., General Councilor of the Legionaries of Christ, Delegate of the General Director of the Legion of Christ for the Holy Land, Director of the Regnum Christi educational institutions

VÉRONIQUE NEBEL, Founder of the Laus Plena Foundation, Member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Fr. GONZALO MONZÓN, L.C., Author of Terra Santa, Director of Priestly Renewal in the Holy Land of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Professor of Sindonology at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum

Fr. PIOTR ZELAZKO, lecturer at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum of Jerusalem.