Custody of the Holy Land

The Latest

Father Peter Vasko, OFM, and Sister Naomi Zimmermann, FSE.

Living the religious life in the Holy Land: Two Americans share their stories

Feb 2, 2024

By Marinella Bandini

On World Day for Consecrated Life, Father Peter Vasko and Sister Naomi Zimmermann — both Franciscans — are grateful for... Read more

The small procession of Franciscan friars, with the Custos of the Holy Land, arrives in Manger Square, in front of the Basilica of the Nativity, in Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 2, the day of the solemn entrance for the beginning of Advent. The Square, typically crowded with local believers and pilgrims, was empty. Dec. 2, 2023.

PHOTOS: Bethlehem welcomes Advent 2023 with quieter procession, still with hope

Dec 4, 2023

By Marinella Bandini

To mark the beginning of Advent, the custos of the Holy Land and the Franciscan friars made their annual procession... Read more

Local Christians pray the rosary during a prayer service hosted by the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in St. Saviour's Church, Jerusalem.

Praying for peace: Franciscans hold special prayer services in Jerusalem

Oct 16, 2023

By Marinella Bandini

This past weekend, Franciscan friars joined with other religious and laypeople to pray for peace in the Holy Land one... Read more

Pope Francis met a delegation affiliated with the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land on Jan. 17, 2022.

Pope Francis: The story of the Holy Land is the 'Fifth Gospel'

Jan 17, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has urged journalists in the Middle East to keep telling stories from the Holy Land. Read more

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Catholics asked to support the Holy Land on Good Friday

Mar 29, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Franciscan friars taking care of the Holy Land sites have asked Catholics for prayers and financial support as they... Read more

A bullet-riddent bust of St. Ephrem in the remains of St. Mary's Syrian Orthodox parish in Homs. Photo courtesy of Aid to the Church in Need.

Franciscans asks prayers for kidnapped priest in Syria

Jul 7, 2015

The organizations of Franciscan missionaries serving in the Holy Land have requested prayers for the safe return of Father Dhiya... Read more