Franciscans of the Holy Land

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The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, walks through empty Bethlehem streets during the solemn entrance to the Basilica of the Nativity on Jan. 6, 2024.

The Holy Land may turn into a museum or an architectural remembrance, archbishop warns

Mar 29, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

The archbishop of Toledo and primate of Spain, Francisco Cerro Chávez, stressed in a recent letter the need to support... Read more

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

Friars walking along the Via Dolorosa on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. After two weeks, the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land returned to pray the Way of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.

Franciscan friar’s ‘Way of the Cross’ resumes on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem

Oct 30, 2023

By Marinella Bandini

The Franciscans returned to pray along on the Via Dolorosa after holding the Way of the Cross in the church... Read more

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

What a vocation to be a Holy Land Franciscan looks like

Sep 10, 2018

By Kevin J. Jones

A religious vocation to serve in the Holy Land is demanding, but there is nothing like walking where Christ walked... Read more