Egypt develops infrastructure for Catholic pilgrimage trip

CAIRO – 18 April 2020: One of the most important national projects in Egypt is the project to revive the path of the Holy Family to Egypt, as it is an urban development hub led by the tourism sector, which will lead to the development of this axis and its surrounding communities.

Qasim added in press remarks that the ministry is following up with efforts to complete all track points in a manner that allows the completion of the project on the date scheduled for it in terms of infrastructure.

Qasim explained that the committee in charge of overseeing the project first submits its recommendations firstly to Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, to provide all the required resources and credits to cover all possible costs.

He also added that an investment plan for the project has been completed, including hotels, bazaars, entertainment places, hand products, gas stations, and restrooms.

Qasim stressed that the governorate have finished preparing the required measurements within the limits of available resources.

It was also agreed to link the track points with tourist attractions, i.e. archaeological areas within the governorate to promote these areas and enrich the programs of tourists.

The Flight into Egypt, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, is a biblical event that marks when an angel appeared to St. Joseph in a dream to advise him into fleeing to Egypt with Mary and infant Jesus; the event itself holds a unique iconic representation.

“Egypt is a land where Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus, as well as many prophets lived; a land that has been blessed with the precious blood of martyrs spilt throughout the centuries,” Pope Francis said during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.

The route of the pilgrimage passes 25 different places that have their significant meanings to the Holy Family during the escape from Herod the Great who sought to kill the newborn "King of the Jews" and led the infanticide known as the Massacre of the Innocents in hopes of killing the child.

A statement from the Tourism Ministry said in Oct. 2017 eight main locations have been chosen to be the key stops of the pilgrimage route.