At a few steps from the Holy Sepulcher, at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem, Christmas is finally in the air. On December 14, the Christmas tree at the New Gate, on the roof of the Ecole des Frères school, was opened. It is a well established tradition and a feast for all Christians [...]
Wednesday, December 6, shortly before the official statements of the US President, Donald Trump, regarding Jerusalem, Pope Francis and the Heads of the local Churches reaffirmed the vocation of the Holy City to peace. During Wednesday morning traditional catechesis in the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed deep concern about the intention of the US President, Donald Trump, [...]
Advent begins in the Holy Land, marked by moments and traditions that are repeated every year. December 2 and 3 were days of celebrations for the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land. FROM JERUSALEM TO BETHLEHEM. To begin celebrating Advent, the Custos made his solemn entry into Manger Square and the Church of [...]
Celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the Franciscans’ presence [in the Holy Land] have reached the United States. The Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Patton, visited the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C., from November 7 to 12, and this was an opportunity to celebrate the important anniversary of the eighth centenary and to meet [...]