Friends of Holy Land chair awarded Freedom of City of Bethlehem

Mr Sa'adeh with Dr Whelan

Dr Michael Whelan, Chairman of Friends of the Holy Land has received the Freedom of the City of Bethlehem for his work in helping local Christian communities.

The Freedom of the City was awarded to Dr Whelan yesterday, 7 November, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bethlehem during the Diocese of Westminster Pilgrimage to the Holy Land which is taking place from 3-11 November.

The pilgrimage is being led by the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. In a speech Archbishop Nichols stressed the importance of pilgrimage to the Holy Land and said that he hoped that all parishes in the Diocese of Westminster would be able to set up local Friends of the Holy Land groups.

In a speech of welcome the Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem Mr Sa'adeh said that he hoped that the diocesan pilgrims would act as ambassadors on behalf of Christians living in the Holy Land.

You can listen to the speeches by the Archbishop of Westminster and the Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem here: www.rcdow.org.uk/holyland2011/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Pilgrimage-Reception.mp3

All priests and permanent deacons on the pilgrimage received a gift of a Stole from local travel company Laila Tours.

The pilgrimage was also presented with a large birthday cake for all pilgrims celebrating their birthdays, including Archbishop Vincent Nichols.