On Saturday 29 November, as tradition dictates, the Custos of the Holy Land made his solemn entrance into Bethlehem for the beginning of Advent.The parish of Jerusalem welcomed the Custos, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, in the parish of Saint Saviour, with greetings and expressions of gratitude, before setting off in procession towards the Mar Elias convent.There the Custos greeted the local community and gave a few interviews. The procession then moved towards the Bethlehem checkpoint, through which he enters according to […]
On November 13, 2025, at Immacolata Hall of the Convent of San Salvatore in Jerusalem, one of the most significant events of the Franciscan Centennials cycle took place: the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi.The event, open to the public, brought together civil authorities, ecclesiastical representatives, religious figures, scholars, musicians and the faithful from the various communities of the Holy Land. Highlighting the cultural and spiritual value of the evening, […]
On Saturday 6 December Bethlehem experienced a moment of deep emotion, thousands of people gathered in the square to witness the rekindling of the Christmas tree, a simple yet meaningful gesture that marks the return of a deeply rooted tradition in the city that gave birth to the Savior. After two years without decorations and with celebrations reduced to a minimum, as a sign of solidarity with the population of Gaza, Bethlehem has lit up again. It was a celebration […]
The friars of the Washington DC monastery inaugurated the month of November by hosting the traditional Mass and gala dinner, attended by the custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo. Now in its fifteenth edition, this charitable event culminates with the presentation of the Custody’s highest honor to those who have distinguished themselves in helping the mission of the friars of the Holy Land: the Grato Animo medal. The event was also attended by a delegation from the Magnificat […]
