Between July 24 and 26, 2025, Br. Francesco Ielpo made his official entrance into the three main holy sites of Christianity under the care of the Custody of the Holy Land: the Cenacle and the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This marks a significant moment in the Franciscan tradition, signifying the beginning of his service as Custos, leading the Franciscan presence in the places tied to the life of Jesus. Each stop was […]
The conclusive event of “LUXTENEBRA, centenary of the Basilicas of Tabor and Gethsemane” was held on 22 November at St Saviour’s convent in Jerusalem. An exhibition of archive documents, period photographs and artistic sketches which tell the story of how the two shrines were built was held in the Mother-of-Pearl Room. A musical concert offered by the youngsters of the Magnificat Institute of Jerusalem followed the closing of the exhibition. The event was possible thanks to the contribution of the […]
At the Church of Saint Saviour, the solemnity of Our Lady of the Pillar, patroness of Spain and of the Guardia Civil, was celebrated. The celebration was presided over by the Vicar Custos, Br. Ulise Zarza, with the participation of friars, religious, Spanish diplomatic representatives, and faithful from the Spanish-speaking communities present in the Holy Land. As is tradition, the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem, José Javier Gutiérrez Blanco-Navarrete, attended the Mass, accompanied by his wife Rebekah Kosinski. Also present […]
The first night footage that shows the start of the humanitarian operation to provide medical care for the children of Gaza arrived from Rome’s military airport of Ciampino on 29 January. The first 11 minors and one adult, ill or injured during the massive bombings, were able to reach Egypt through the border crossing of Rafah, currently the only point of exit from the Gaza Strip, and from there board the plane for Ciampino. One “step towards peace” Fr. Ibrahim […]
