Let us listen to the voice of the Innocent!
December 16, 2024
The Christmas message of Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land. From Bethlehem to the world.
Upcoming Events
The light of faith in the face of the drama of war
December 18, 2024
On 11 December, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome was lit with candles of Faith and Hope during a prayer dedicated to world peace. The prayer was presided over by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, together with the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Brother Ibrahim Faltas.
A Life for Art! The story of Robert Giacaman
December 17, 2024
At this Christmas time, we meet a Christian artist from Bethlehem, Robert Giacaman.
Children of Bethlehem: Catholic Action in support of families
December 11, 2024
Throughout the Christmas holiday period, Catholic Action Bethlehem organised days of games and educational moments for the children of the City.
Hanukkah: lighting up the world
December 19, 2024
Hanukkah, also known as the ‘Feast of Lights’, is a major Jewish holiday. Christmas Day coincides with the beginning of this holiday.
The light of faith in the face of the drama of war
December 18, 2024
On 11 December, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome was lit with candles of Faith and Hope during a prayer dedicated to world peace. The prayer was presided over by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, together with the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Brother Ibrahim Faltas.
A Life for Art! The story of Robert Giacaman
December 17, 2024
At this Christmas time, we meet a Christian artist from Bethlehem, Robert Giacaman.
Publication of the book ‘Palestine, Cradle of Christianity’
December 17, 2024
On 13 December, Dar Al-Kalima University, in cooperation with the Pontifical Mission, organised a conference at the Dar Al-Kalima University Theatre in Bethlehem to present the book ‘Palestine, Cradle of Christianity: An Introduction to the History of the Origins of Christianity from the First to the Seventh Century’.
Terra Santa News 13/12/2024
December 11, 2024
Lurdinha, a life dedicated to communicating the Gospel!; The nativity scene in the Vatican: a cry for peace from wounded Palestine; The Immaculate Conception: Patroness of the Franciscan Order; Towards Christmas: getting to know Bethlehem to love Him more!
Children of Bethlehem: Catholic Action in support of families
December 11, 2024
Throughout the Christmas holiday period, Catholic Action Bethlehem organised days of games and educational moments for the children of the City.
Lurdinha, a life dedicated to communicating the Gospel!
December 10, 2024
On Friday, 6 December, Maria de Lurdes Nunes, known to all as Lurdinha, returned to the house of the Father. Since her youth, she had been a member of the Canção Nova community. During her time in the Terra Santa News, she was editor-in-chief of the Terra Santa News and coordinator of the content produced by the CMC.’
The Mothers of Bethlehem: women between faith and fear
December 10, 2024
Being mothers in Bethlehem today. A challenge for all women. Telling us about their experience are Juleen, a young new mother, and Sister Anna, an educator.
The Nativity crib in the Vatican: a cry for peace from wounded Palestine.
December 09, 2024
On 7 December, His Holiness Pope Francis imparted his blessing on the crib from Bethlehem during a ceremony in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. An initiative of the Embassy of Palestine to the Holy See and the High Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine.
The Immaculate Conception: Patroness of the Franciscan Order
December 09, 2024
From 4 to 8 December at the Church of the Most Holy Saviour in Jerusalem, the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land celebrated the Immaculate Conception with a triduum, vespers and solemn mass. Br Davide Pintabona helps us to understand the significance of the Feast for the Order.
Terra Santa News 06/12/2024
December 04, 2024
The light of Advent dispels the darkness of grief and kindles the hope of peace; Aleppo: destruction, siege and the beginning of new challenges!; Scrutinise the Scriptures: The New Bible in Arabic; Sr. Mary of the Trinity: the cause of beatification and canonisation opens!
Aleppo: destruction, siege and the beginning of new challenges!
December 03, 2024
Aleppo: Mgr. Hanna Jallouf, Apostolic Vicar of the Latins, tells us about the latest developments after a devastating missile hit the building of the Custody of the Holy Land's Terra Sancta School on Sunday 1 December.
Sr. Mary of the Trinity: the cause of beatification and canonisation opens!
December 02, 2024
The cause for the canonisation of Sister Mary of the Trinity, Poor Clare of the Monastery of St Clare, opens in Jerusalem. The Vice-Postulator, Br Ulise Zarza, of the Custody of the Holy Land explains the significance of this document and acquaints us with this future saint of the Church.
The light of Advent dispels the darkness of sorrow and ignites the hope of peace.
December 02, 2024
On the first Sunday of Holy Advent, the Custos of the Holy Land passed through the door of the separation barrier, which stands as a silent witness to long years of suffering in the land where the Prince of Peace was born: Bethlehem.
Scrutinise the Scriptures: The New Bible in Arabic
November 28, 2024
On 26 November 2024, Sobicain and the Society of St Paul, together with the Neocatechumenal Way, presented the Arabic edition of the Bible Scrutinise the Scriptures in Rome. In the presence of Arab Christians of different rites, together with their bishops, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Terra Santa News 29/11/2024
November 27, 2024
Unpublished documents presented at the closing of the centenary of Mount Tabor and Gethsemane; Solemnity of Christ the King: ‘I am the one you are waiting for’; ‘Youth of Jesus’ Homeland’ A new beginning in the spirit of faith despite the challenges!; New Missal of the Holy Land: the art of iconography today!; Under Mary's protection, we find refuge! Day of Prayer for Peace in Nazareth
Under Mary's protection, we find refuge! Day of Prayer for Peace in Nazareth
November 27, 2024
On 25 November at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the people of God gathered to pray to the Virgin Mary, asking for the gift of peace.
‘Youth of the Homeland of Jesus’ A new beginning in the spirit of faith despite the challenges!
November 26, 2024
The General Secretariat of the ‘Youth of the Homeland of Jesus’ commemorated the feast of Christ the King with a mass of thanksgiving on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the mission in the Holy Land
New Missal of the Holy Land: the art of iconography today!
November 25, 2024
‘Light of Grace’ a collection of original paintings made for the new edition of the missal in Arabic, for the Roman-rite churches of the Latin Patriarchate in the Holy Land, displayed in the museum of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
Solemnity of Christ the King: ‘I am the one you are waiting for’.
November 25, 2024
On 23 November, the General Secretariat of the Latin Youth of Galilee organised a meeting for young people on the Solemnity of Christ the King, at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Unpublished documents presented at the closing of the centenary of Mount Tabor and Gethsemane
November 22, 2024
The theme ‘Lux Tenebra’ marked the centenary of the construction of the Tabor and Gethsemane Basilicas, culminating with an exhibition of original documents from the archives of the Custody of the Holy Land, and concluding with a concert of light in St. Saviour's Church
Terra Santa News 22/11/2024
November 20, 2024
‘Martyrdom in Christianity: A journey of faith towards eternal life’; At every step, at every beat: St Nicholas the Pilgrim; Dies Academicus of the SBF and EBAF in memory of Father Marcel Sigrist, op; Willibald in Jerusalem: a man in search of meaning;
At every step, at every beat: St Nicholas the Pilgrim
November 19, 2024
St Nicholas the Pilgrim is a Greek boy born in 1075, who met Jesus when he was eight years old and received the prayer of the heart from him. He was venerated as a saint by Catholics and remained so for about nine centuries. In 2023, the Greek Orthodox of Italy included him in their liturgical calendar. A truly ecumenical saint, he has much to say to the pilgrims who come to Jerusalem today. His life is written in the book by Msgr. Natale Albino, diplomat of the Holy See.
Advent
On the way to Bethlehem with the characters of the nativity scene: Joseph
December 19, 2023
At the gates of Christmas, in the excitement of anticipation, Brother Luca Di Pasquale introduces us to the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Thanks to St. Joseph we will get to know Father Gabriel, pastor of Gaza.
On the way to Bethlehem with the characters of the nativity scene: Mary
December 13, 2023
In this journey leading us toward Christmas, in the excitement of anticipation, Fr. Marco Gambarotto introduces us to the Third Sunday of Advent and we will hear Sister Valentina Sala's experience.
Waiting is mercy - Living Advent with the Church Fathers
December 13, 2023
In the fourth week of the Advent season, Br. Ulise introduces us to St. Maximus, bishop of Turin, who invites the faithful to purify their hearts, consciences and spirits, so that purified we may welcome the pure child who comes!
On the way to Bethlehem with the characters of the nativity scene: the Three Kings
December 06, 2023
A journey to Christmas, accompanied by the characters of the nativity scene. In the excitement of anticipation, Fr. Joseph introduces us to the second Sunday of Advent, where we will meet, thanks to the Three Kings, a special pilgrim who has come from afar.
Waiting is joy - Living Advent with the Church Fathers
December 05, 2023
Third week of the Advent season, waiting for the Savior, a fourth-century homily attributed to Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, explains how we should wait for the Lord.
Sanctuaries
Mount Nebo: a community in prayer for peace
November 07, 2023
From the shrines of the Custody of the Holy Land, prayers for peace rise unceasingly. Even from Mount Nebo in Jordan, where life continues, the Franciscan community does not forget the difficult time the Holy Land is experiencing.
Giovanna Repellini and the Architect of the Holy Land: The Basilica of the Transfiguration
October 30, 2023
In the centennial year of the Tabor and Gethsemane basilicas, architect and writer Giovanna Repellini introduces us to Antonio Barluzzi.
From Italy an orchestra for Rhodes
October 24, 2023
For the first time an Italian orchestra lands in Rhodes, Greece, and for the first time a concert for organ and orchestra and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's musical and spiritual masterpiece, the Stabat Mater, is performed on the island.
From the Holy Sepulcher in prayer for peace
October 10, 2023
The Franciscan community of the Holy Sepulcher, every day in procession retraces, inside the Basilica, the places of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. These days, in particular, prayers are said for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
The challenges of the Franciscan Mission in Syria
October 05, 2023
In the words of Brother Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor and Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, the challenges of the mission in Syria. A community scarred by war and the latest earthquake.
