The Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Xavier Martí, has just opened the “The guardians of the tomb of Jesus Christ" exhibition in the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great. The exhibition showcases the daily life and work that the Franciscan Order undertakes in the Holy Land, not only in protecting the Holy Places, but also, notably, in assisting the most disadvantaged populations in the area.
The opening of the exhibition on Friday 18 October was also attended by the director of the Obra Pía de los Santos Lugares (Pious Works of the Holy Places), its custodian, members of the Board of Trustees and the Episcopal Conference, and the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in his capacity as president of the Obra Pía de los Santos Lugares.
In the words of the author of the photographs, Thomas Coex, head of the photography department at Agence France Presse (AFP) press office in Jerusalem from 2014 to 2019: “I've experienced the joy of really getting to know the friars. I've encountered humble and generous people who form a family, loving people. They dedicate their time and lives to others. I've grown closer to them through their educational and social actions. I was surprised. I didn't think I'd find so much openness. This is the Church that I like".
What is the Obra Pía de los Santos Lugares?
The Obra Pía de los Santos Lugares, an entity under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, has an extremely close, centuries-long relationship with the Custody of the Holy Land, which brings together over 800 friars of the minor orders living throughout the
Middle East.
What is the “The guardians of the tomb of Jesus Christ” exhibition, and how long is it running for?
“The guardians of the tomb of Jesus Christ” exhibition was first opened to the public at the Monastery of St Saviour in Jerusalem in June 2018, and two years later displayed on the outer railings of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris.
It currently comprises 29 photographs (framed to withstand outdoor exposure) displayed on the outer railings of the Royal Basilica-Museum of Saint Francis the Great. The photos depict unique moments in daily Franciscan life, giving the public a greater insight into their day-to-day life in the Holy Land. The exhibition will run from 18 October to January 2025.
-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-
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Photos: Pepe Méndez (Nolsom).