Trust in the LORD with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Thousands of Catholics from both Israel and around the world are expected to make the pilgrimage to Nazareth on November 17 to take part in the International Day of Faith celebration on Mount Precipice. The service will be lead by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal and in the presence of the Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau.

The mass will be celebrated within the framework of the closing events of the Year of Faith, which Pope Benedict XVI declared in October 2012 and which will close in Rome the following week on 24 November 2013.

The Tourism Ministry provided assistance by preparing the infrastructure for the event. In addition, the Tourism Ministry will host about 50 journalists from leading international Catholic media outlets who will broadcast live the events related to the International Day of Faith. It is estimated that the event will make a positive contribution to marketing Israel as a preferred destination for Christian tourism, which represents the largest sector in incoming tourism.

Landau told reporters, “We attach great importance to our links with the Catholic Church. Pilgrimage is an important bridge for peace and interfaith connections. The Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with the Church, will continue to work to provide all the tools that enable the faithful to celebrate their customs in the Holy Land.

“The event is taking place in accordance with the policy of the ministry and the State of Israel. We attach great importance to our links with the Catholic Church,” he added. “The Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with the Church, will continue to work to provide all the tools that enable the faithful to celebrate their customs in the Holy Land.”

In 2012, over two million Christian tourists and pilgrims arrived in Israel, representing about 60% of all incoming tourism.