On the Monday after Easter, the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, went, as they do every year, to Emmaus to celebrate the events narrated in the Gospel according to Luke. It is the story of the two disciples who, grief-stricken and confused after the death of Jesus, set off on foot for Emmaus, a small village a few kilometres from Jerusalem. On the way, a mysterious traveller comes up beside the pair and starts to talk […]
“Be yourselves, for everyone, signs of hope”: these were the words (you can read the full text HERE) that Pope Francis addressed to the members of the Conference of the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (C.E.L.R.A.) who are holding their annual meeting in the Vatican. The Pope greeted them on the morning of 28 August in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Flame of hope The Pope expressed his closeness to those present and the Churches in the whole Region. […]
Sunday, June 1st, at the Church of San Salvatore in Jerusalem, the Custody of the Holy Land celebrated Holy Mass on the occasion of Italy’s Republic Day, which is commemorated every year on June 2nd. The liturgy, now a traditional appointment, was presided over by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Patton. This tribute, offered by the Custody, also extends to three other nations of ancient Catholic tradition, namely France, Spain, and Belgium, in recognition of their historical […]
On 11th March we were able to speak to fr. Bahjat Elia Karakach, friar of the Custody of the Holy Land and the parish priest of the community of Aleppo, by phone. After the dramatic earthquake on 6th February which brought Turkey and Syria to their knees, Father Bahjat has been in the front line, with his brothers, providing material aid to the families who have lost their homes and supporting the local population. Father Bahjat, we know that the […]
