The supplication to Mary for peace rises continuously from Jerusalem on the day when her Assumption to Heaven is celebrated. Mary’s tomb in Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the place of her assumption to heaven, has been venerated for centuries: the Franciscans, led by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fra Francesco Patton, celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption here, between 14 and 15 August. In this time of conflict and war, the special invocation for […]
The "Day of Wonder" will be held in Italy on 13 October, in various squares, Sunday schools, libraries and museums. It is a day dedicated to offering surprise and joy to all children, in particular those who, due to conflicts, are deprived of their right to play and to be carefree. This event will also take place in many countries affected by wars or which are in situations of crisis, bringing moments of happiness even into the most difficult conditions. […]
They are martyrs and witnesses of the faith, men who exercised Christian virtues heroically and lived a life of holiness. About fifteen Franciscan friars whose lives are intertwined, at least in part, with the Holy Land and the mission of the Custody, who have been raised to the honour of the altars. At the end of the 19th century, the paths of the blessed Salvatore Lilli, the blessed Frédéric Janssoone and the blessed Mamerto Esquiú cross in Jerusalem. Eight Franciscans […]
The four pupils from the Helen Keller school of Beit Hanina are flying to Rome: a special journey for Ibrahim, Alaa, Talin and Celin, which will take them to the Olympic Stadium, to sing together with Pope Francis on the first World Children’s Day. “Dear children! Your first World Day, which will be in Rome on 25 and 26 May next, is approaching,” are the words that open the message from the Pope announcing this special day dedicated to children […]