The Franciscans arrived in the Holy Land at the beginning of the thirteenth century, driven by the love of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi, for the poor and crucified Christ. Living in the so-called "Land of the fifth Gospel", their mission is to protect the places that are cradle of the Christian faith. For this task the Franciscans rely on the help of many volunteers who have arrived to the Holy Land from different countries. 
Fr. STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
 Head of volunteers- Custody of the Holy Land "We see them working in technical fields, such as the library or the Custodial technical department that also gives work to many volunteers. Even in some shrines we can find volunteers who work with us and we are just pleased to be working together. However, when we ask for the help of some volunteers, it is important for us to have their profile before they get here, so they can be incorporated into the work activities that are compatible with their skills and experience.” Volunteers are present in several areas, one of which is the library. For this young man, employed as a librarian, this experience has a double aspect. FABRIZIO FOSSATI 
Italian Volunteer "It was definitely an interesting experience, from both a personal and a professional point of view, as well as from a human perspective. The Custody of the Holy Land, as a result, has the ability to have trained and qualified personnel to better valorize its large collections and its treasures.” In the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, a young Brazilian man has been working for over two years as a volunteer. This was a period of great growth for him. THOMÁS GUARESE Brazilian Volunteer “Doing things without expecting anything in return teaches us simplicity. It is great, because as volunteers we do not work expecting something in return and this is a great challenge.” In the shrines the volunteers also have the opportunity to help other people have an experience of faith. Fr. BENITO JOSÉ CHOQUE, ofm
 Guardian - Basilica of the Agony "We greatly appreciate our volunteers’ collaboration; it is a great joy that, thanks to the help of many people, we can take better care of the pilgrims and all those who come seeking joy, consolation and strength here in the shrines of the Holy Land.” This other Brazilian man who serves in the Basilica came to know about this opportunity through some friar friends. 
WILLIAM RODRIGUES 
Brazilian Volunteer "I asked some friends about the possibility of being able to serve for a period of time here in the Holy Land, because it is a great honor to serve the Church in this place that is so privileged, in which Our Lord spent part of His life and where He spent the last moments of his life." In addition to the service offered in a sanctuary, which is expressed in welcoming the pilgrims and in the performance of specific tasks, the volunteers in the Holy Land also serve at the site in which the word of God became flesh. 
WILLIAM RODRIGUES 
Brazilian Volunteer "His Passion happened here. For example, here in Gethsemane, we can be in direct contact with the place where Jesus suffered His agony that night after the Last Supper, where he came with his disciples and prayed to the Father. "