On Monday, July 21, the Custody of the Holy Land joyfully welcomed its new Custos, Br. Francesco Ielpo. In accordance with tradition, the solemn entrance began at Jaffa Gate, through which the Custos entered the Old City of Jerusalem. Awaiting him were the Franciscan friars, representatives of the local Churches, and numerous diplomatic authorities from various countries. The procession towards St. Savior's The procession, led by uniformed Kawas—following the custom shared among the Churches of Jerusalem—made its way to the […]
On Saturday, 16 November, the auditorium of the Immaculate Conception, in the convent of St Saviour in Jerusalem, hosted a symposium on the martyrs of Damascus, who were canonized in Rome on 20 October 2024. The meeting, entitled “Martyrdom. A sign of journey into the faith,” was an opportunity to reflect on the deep meaning of Christian martyrdom, in the light of the testimony given by the Franciscan martyrs of Damascus. The speakers approached the topic of martyrdom from different […]
On Sunday, October 5, in the convent of Saint Saviour in Jerusalem, five friars made their solemn profession in the Order of Friars Minor, promising to live forever in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity, according to the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi. The celebration was presided over by the custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, in the presence of numerous confreres, family members, friends, and faithful. During the homily, Fr. Ielpo shared with […]
The Advent season is marked with a special meaning this year at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, in Washington DC. 2023 marks the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene ever, created by Saint Francis of Assisi in the Italian village of Greccio on Christmas night in 1223. To commemorate the anniversary, the Franciscan Monastery is hosting an exhibition of hundreds of nativity scenes from all over the world. The collections in the exhibition The exhibition […]
