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)
On the Feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus, the opening of the jubilee of the centennial of the Basilica of Agony
On July 1, in the Basilica of the Agony at Gethsemane, the feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus was celebrated with the opening of the basilica´s Centennial Jubilee.
M H Peter and Paul. "Who is Jesus to me?"
Every year, as per tradition, the Church of Jerusalem is in celebration. Together with the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul was celebrated with the ordination of four new priests.
Custody of the Holy Land and Bethlehem University together for archaeology
An agreement between the Custody of the Holy Land and Bethlehem University to preserve Palestinian cultural heritage, engage local students in archaeological excavations and research as well as promote a better understanding of Palestine's rich history and culture.
St. Anthony: “Seekers of True Wisdom”
Since 1920, every June 13, the Custody of the Holy Land has celebrated the feast of its patron, St. Anthony. The Custody increases its activity around the world with the help of the Commissaries, friars of the Minor Order committed to being "bridges between the Holy Land and Christians around the world."
Vocation to love and service
Vocation in service to the Kingdom of God. 7 new deacons of the Custody of the Holy Land ordained.
A Collection of Hope
The message of the prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, Msgr. Claudio Gugerotti, for the Good Friday Collection: "United and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land."
Good Friday Collection 2023
Thanks to your help, we too will be able to continue to take care of this Holy Land and its children.
For the miracle of the Christian presence
Despite challenges and conflicts, the Christian community is still present in the Holy Land, thanks in part to the continued support of the Custody of the Holy Land.
In the gaze of the Custos of the Holy Land the faces of all the friars in Syria
In the words of Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, the experience of meeting with the friars in Syria who daily welcome those affected by the earthquake.
The connection between the world's Christians and the Holy Places
The Good Friday Collection helps to keep the Shrines and the "living stones," the Christians living in the Holy Land. It is the link between all Christians around the world and the Holy Places.
Art and culture at the service of the Holy Land
Franciscan friar and artist Gianni Mastromarino created a number of artworks that were displayed at the Holy Land Custody's Dar al-Majus center in Bethlehem.
The Custody of the Holy Land, a mission for education
Scuole, case, lavoro. Un aiuto concreto ai cristiani locali grazie alla Colletta Pro Terra Santa
Nazareth: A new stained glass window was blessed
On March 1 in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, blessed a new stained glass window donated by the Commissariat of the Holy Land in Slovenia.
Franciscan friars volunteer in Syria
The young friars of the Custody of the Holy Land will take turns to bring aid to the brethren and the people affected by the earthquake. The first "team" left on Feb. 15.
Profanation and solidarity
Mass of reparation after attack on Flagellation, solidarity of Jews and European diplomats. Custos: "Security for places of worship."
New life for the mosaics of the "gallery of Latins"
11th-century floor mosaics from the "gallery of Latins" of the Holy Sepulcher will be on display from late March at the Terra Sancta Museum, in the room dedicated to the Basilica.
New horizons for archaeology in the Holy Land
In Tel Aviv and Acre, the first "Symposium of Italian Archaeological Missions in Israel" brought together scholars from different disciplines to open new perspectives and collaborations.
Dar Al-Majus, a Franciscan gift for the Bethlehem community
At the end of three years of work, the Custos of the Holy Land blessed the "House of the Magi," which offers various services to the local community and pilgrims.
Craft exhibition at Terra Sancta School in Bethlehem
Vocational handicrafts made by middle school students have been on display at the institute since May 13. Artifacts made of olive wood, ceramics and mother-of-pearl were on display.
Malta, a natural bridge with the Holy Land
The activities of the Commissariat of the Holy Land on the Mediterranean island, one of the oldest in the world.
Br. Francesco Patton confirmed Custos of the Holy Land
Br. Francesco Patton, who has already led the Custody for the past six years, is confirmed in his position for the next three years.
Wisdom. The 45th Biblical-Theological Refresher Course
The 45th biblical-theological refresher course organized by the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of Jerusalem concluded with an excursion to the Negev desert. They were four days of in-depth study on "Wisdom".
Brother George, a vocation for the whole family
Br. George Haddad, of Jenin, recounts the joy and difficult times of following the Lord's call as a Franciscan.
An important contribution: the Pro Terra Santa Collection
The Pro Terra Santa Collection is an important form of support for the Sanctuaries and the social works carried out by the Custody.