Custody of the Holy Land
The Custody of the Holy Land belongs to a religious Order in the Catholic Church, the Order of Friars Minor, the Franciscans. “We are a fraternity of the Order of Friars Minor living in the Holy Land, who preserve, study and render the places where the Christian faith originated welcoming and proclaim the marvels of the love of the Most High Almighty and Good Lord who for our sake took on our humanity for the salvation of all people.” (Source: https://www.custodia.org)
Mount Nebo: a community in prayer for peace
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
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
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
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
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.
The gift of eternal life
The gift of eternal life: In Jerusalem, the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis. With the missionary journey of St. Francis, the Friars Minor have been in the Middle East for 800 years.
The Ninth Franciscan March in Syria, "Your Word in My Heart"
125 young people participated in the 9th Franciscan March in Syria. Under the title "Your word is in my heart," the Syrian young people sought God's word to make it a "light" that guides their lives.
Terra Santa School Nazareth: Overcoming Adversity
Terra Sancta School in Nazareth has suffered from a lack of resources and adequate facilities to facilitate the educational process for students in the city of Bashar. The Franciscan friars decided to create a comprehensive plan so that the school could resurrect and keep up with the needs of the educational era.
"A Light in the Darkness". The Monastery of the Archangel Gabriel in the abandoned village of Al-Mujaydel.
The Custody of the Holy Land celebrated the Feast of the Archangels in the abandoned village of Al-Mujaydel. An occasion, this year, to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the foundation of the Sanctuary
"Stay with us Lord": in Emmaus the solemnity of Sts. Simeon and Cleophas
The Solemnity of Saints Simeon and Cleophas was celebrated at Emmaus Al Qubeibeh on September 23. Around the altar, the brothers heard the Word and shared the Eucharistic Bread, the real presence of the Risen Jesus among us.
The cross, a sign of God's total love for humanity
The cross, a sign of God's total love for humanity. In Jerusalem on Sept. 14, religious and pilgrims participated in the celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher.
From Ramla to Assisi in the footsteps of St. Francis
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Youth of St. Francis of Ramla, in July members and leadership of the association visited Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order.
Mount Nebo. In prayer with Moses!
Like every year, the Solemnity of the Prophet Moses was celebrated at the Franciscan Shrine on Mount Nebo. An occasion of pilgrimage and celebration for Jordanian Christians.
"Impact". The Franciscan march in Lebanon
'Impact'. This was the title of the Lebanese edition of the Franciscan march that took place at the end of August. 65 young people set out and for just four days left everything behind to enter into dialogue with the Lord
The Terra Santa school in Acre: a new beginning
Since its foundation in 1620, the school in Acre has been a landmark for education but also for intercultural encounters. The Custody of the Holy Land wanted to give a "new life" to the school, completely renovating it and inaugurating it on 1 September.
"Today with me in Paradise". The 32nd Franciscan March
"Today with me in Paradise". This is the title of this year's Franciscan March, now in its 32nd edition. About a hundred young people set off on August 20 from Sakhnin towards Deir Hanna, Almaghar and Eilaboun, to reach Mount Tabor. A journey in search of self, to discover the meaning of life despite the challenges, to meet and experience the unconditional love of God.
The Commissioners of the Holy Land visiting the Basilica of Aparecida and the shrine of Br. Galvão
The visit of the 21 Franciscan Commissaries of the Holy Land from Latin America to the Basilica of Aparecida and the shrine of Franciscan Brother Galvão, the first Brazilian saint. For Card. Tempesta, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, "what strikes in the Holy Land is the affection and responsibility that Franciscans have for the Holy Places."
For the first time, the Custody's archaeological site in the city of Magdala becomes a place of celebration
For the first time, on July 22, the Franciscan community celebrated the feast of Mary Magdalene at the archaeological site of Magdala, her hometown on the western shore of Lake Tiberias.
St. Francis Retirement Home in Nazareth, from its origin to today!
The Saint Francis Retirement Home is located in Nazareth. A work created in 1949 to assist the elderly in need.
A time of grace with the Syrian population
A few days in the Syrian land for the President of the Italian-speaking Commissioners of the Holy Land, Br. Matteo Brena. A trip to express closeness to the Franciscan and Christian community.
Franciscan March in Jordan: "Today with me in Paradise."
The ninth Franciscan March was held in Jordan with the theme, "Today with me in Paradise." About 100 young people took this "walk of faith" led by friars from the Custody of the Holy Land.
"Capital of Resurrection": a new sports and cultural center
A new sports and cultural center of the Custody was inaugurated on Monday, July 3, at the Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem's Old City. Present at the event were Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, H.B. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, as well as representatives of the European Union, the French Development Agency and the French Consulate, the project's funders.
St Peter and Paul in Jaffa: an "international" meeting
On July 1 at St. Peter's Parish in Jaffa, Brother Francesco Patton presided over the solemnity of St. Peter and Paul.
Spanish pilgrims: an experience of faith, welcome and fraternity
Some religious of the Franciscan family on pilgrimage to the Holy Land to revive faith and the joy of fraternity.