Custos

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Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, stops at the Eighth Station of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem during the Good Friday Via Crucis on March 29, 2024.

PHOTOS: Challenges and triumphs: The custos of the Holy Land reflects on 9 years

Jan 28, 2025

By Marinella Bandini

As he gets ready to retire, Father Francesco Patton talks to CNA about his years leading the Custody of the... Read more

Children welcome the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos’ entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war.

PHOTOS: Holy Land Christians begin another Advent in the midst of war

Dec 2, 2024

By Marinella Bandini

This past weekend, the people in Bethlehem welcomed the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, led by the... Read more