875 years have passed since, on 15 July 1149, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fulcher of Angoulême, dedicated the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre (consecrated in 335). This took place after a number of reconstructions and enlargements by the Crusaders after the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099. As every year, on 15 July, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land celebrated a Solemn Mass on the anniversary of the dedication of the basilica. Some local religious and faithful were […]
The Franciscan March, entitled “Impact” took place in Lebanon from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September: the impact is that of young people on the Church and that of the Church on young people. For four days, 65 youngsters “left everything” to start a dialogue with the Lord. The days were marked by walking and praying, by moments of reflection, fraternal sharing and the community life with singing, dancing and games. “We are pleased to have been able to […]
Towards sainthood: a triduum of prayer for the Martyrs of Damascus From 17 to 19 October, the Franciscan friars gather in Jerusalem, at the church of St Saviour, for a triduum of prayer in preparation for the canonization of the Martyrs of Damascus, killed out of hatred for their faith in 1860. This event of extraordinary importance for the Church, and in particular for the Custody of the Holy Land, will be held on Sunday 20 October in St […]
Your Excellency, “Jesus will be in agony even to the end of the world; we must not sleep during that time” (Blaise Pascal, Pensées, 553). Pascal’s phrase reminds us of the mystery of the Redeemer’s struggle and suffering, which the liturgical year celebrates and makes present in a special way through Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. It is an affirmation that also underlines the fact that Christ identifies himself with the agony and suffering of those who in history […]
