Terra Santa News 28/03/2025
March 27, 2025
The Feast of the Annunciation in Nazareth presided over by the Patriarch of Jerusalem; the prayer vigil at Gethsemane for the Day of Missionary Martyrs; the Lenten vigils at the Holy Sepulcher; and finally, the Custodial Vicar’s appeal for the upcoming Good Friday Collection.
Upcoming Events
Help us help others! An appeal to preserve the Holy Land and support its people.
March 04, 2025
An appeal to preserve the Holy Land and support its people. Video Message for the Collection Good Friday 2025
Supporting Christians in the Holy Land: A Gesture of Mercy
March 13, 2025
For over 800 years, the Franciscan friars have been the living presence of the Church in the Holy Land. They safeguard the shrines, preserve the spiritual heritage, and support local Christians with dedication. They have founded schools, hospitals, and charitable programs, ensuring that Christian identity remains alive in the land of Christ. In the words of the Economo of the Custody of the Holy Land, Br Tony Choukry, the importance of the Good Friday Collection is emphasized.
On the Way to Easter: The Pilgrimages in Jerusalem
March 19, 2025
The ancient tradition of peregrinations marks the Lenten season in Jerusalem. The first pilgrimage took place on Thursday, March 20, at the Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit.
MOUNT NEBO. A Look at the Promised Land
March 28, 2025
Discover Mount Nebo, the holy place from which Moses contemplated the Promised Land. Accompanied by Brother Eugenio Alliata, ofm of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, we will discover the biblical texts that speak of this holy place and the memorial dedicated to Moses.
The Feast of the Annunciation in Nazareth
March 26, 2025
On March 24 and 25, Nazareth celebrates the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, through Mary, Christians become a sign of what humanity is called to be: one body with their God and Lord.
Good Friday Collection: The Appeal of the Custodial Vicar
March 26, 2025
With pilgrimages to the Holy Land suspended and the financial crisis worsened by war, the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Br Ibrahim Faltas, has made an appeal to Christians around the world. He calls them to renew their bond with the early Church through the Good Friday Collection—an essential act to preserve the Holy Places and the Christian presence in the land of Christ.
Lenten Vigils at the Holy Sepulcher
March 25, 2025
During Lent, various celebrations accompany the journey toward Easter, culminating at the Holy Sepulcher. Here, on the nights between Saturday and Sunday, the Vigils are celebrated, led by the Franciscan friars.
Prayer Vigil in Memory of Today’s Christian Martyrs
March 24, 2025
On the 33rd anniversary of the Day of Missionary Martyrs, a prayer vigil was held at the Basilica of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. It honored those who gave their lives to proclaim the Gospel and serve others. The vigil was led by Br Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land.
Sanctuary of the Flagellation: The Beginning of the Way of the Cross
March 24, 2025
Professors from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum help us explore the biblical, historical, and archaeological elements of the Way of the Cross—starting at the Sanctuary of the Flagellation, where Jesus was condemned.
Saint Joseph: The Feast at the Basilica of Nazareth
March 20, 2025
Br Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, presided over the solemn celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph in Nazareth. On a day marked by renewed conflict in the Holy Land, the occasion became an opportunity to entrust the small Christian community to the protection of the Guardian of the Universal Church.
Terra Santa News 21/03/2025
March 20, 2025
The Feast of Saint Joseph, the Way of the Cross and March of Hope by the Holy Land schools, the visit of the Director of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, the Pontifical Mission's project supporting medical students, and the first Lenten pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit.
The Pontifical Mission: Investing in Hope and Supporting the Future
March 19, 2025
The Pontifical Mission in Jerusalem sees supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land as both a historical responsibility and a humanitarian mission. One of its most significant initiatives is the Medical Student Support Project, which provides young Palestinians the opportunity to pursue medical studies despite the high costs, which exceed the financial means of most families.
On the Way to Easter: The Pilgrimages in Jerusalem
March 19, 2025
The ancient tradition of peregrinations marks the Lenten season in Jerusalem. The first pilgrimage took place on Thursday, March 20, at the Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit.
The Precarious Situation in Syria: Christians in Uncertainty
March 18, 2025
An update on the complex situation in Syria following the latest episodes of violence.
Symbols of Lent: silence
March 18, 2025
A symbol to embrace during Lent is silence. In the words of Br Giuseppe Gaffurini, the example of Saint Joseph teaches its importance.
The Schools of the Holy Land: A Journey of Hope
March 17, 2025
From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, students and teachers from the Holy Land schools prayed together with one heart and one soul. The suffering of the Holy Land is one, and so is the prayer for peace.
Terra Santa News 14/03/2025
March 13, 2025
This edition covers the Solemn Entrances at the Holy Sepulcher on the first Saturday of Lent, the words of Br Tony Choukry—Bursar of the Custody—on the importance of the Good Friday Collection, an in-depth look at the Syriac Orthodox community, and a special episode in the series on Lenten symbols, focusing on the crown.
Supporting Christians in the Holy Land: A Gesture of Mercy
March 13, 2025
For over 800 years, the Franciscan friars have been the living presence of the Church in the Holy Land. They safeguard the shrines, preserve the spiritual heritage, and support local Christians with dedication. They have founded schools, hospitals, and charitable programs, ensuring that Christian identity remains alive in the land of Christ. In the words of the Economo of the Custody of the Holy Land, Br Tony Choukry, the importance of the Good Friday Collection is emphasized.
Syriacs: The Oldest Living Stones in the Christian Mosaic
March 12, 2025
The Syriac community enriches the Christian mosaic of the Holy Land. Archbishop Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church for Jerusalem, Jordan, and the Holy Land, shares the history and beliefs of the region’s oldest Christian community.
Leading People Back to the Journey of Life
March 11, 2025
Sr Rebecca Nazzaro, Director of the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, traveled to the Holy Land with a group of guides. The purpose of her visit was to meet local Christians and encourage everyone to embark on the journey of pilgrimage.
The Symbols of Lent: The Crown
March 11, 2025
Exploring the symbols of Lent with Br Giuseppe Gaffurini. In this episode, the crown—its meaning from the Flagellation to the Holy Sepulcher, a symbol often overlooked.
Solemn Entrances: Walking Toward the Resurrection
March 10, 2025
Amid the wounds of suffering and waiting in the Holy Land, the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher witnessed a significant moment on the first Saturday of Lent. The heads of the Churches made their official entrance into Christianity’s holiest place. Leading the procession was Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He was followed by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, along with bishops from the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Churches.
Terra Santa News 07/03/2025
March 06, 2025
The beginning of Lent in the Holy Land with Ash Wednesday; the consecration of a new chapel at the Shepherds' Field; the inauguration of the playground at the Catholic Action in Bethlehem and finally, the message of the Custos of the Holy Land for the Good Friday Collection.
Ash Wednesday in the Holy Land
March 05, 2025
On March 5, the Church in the Holy Land celebrated Ash Wednesday. From the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, from Bethlehem to Gaza, the liturgy marked the beginning of Lent.
Catholic Action: Where Faith Meets Service
March 05, 2025
On March 1, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Radman and Br Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, inaugurated the new indoor playground for children at Catholic Action in Bethlehem. This project is a sign of hope amid the great challenges the city faces due to the deep impact of the war in Gaza.
Help us help others! An appeal to preserve the Holy Land and support its people.
March 04, 2025
An appeal to preserve the Holy Land and support its people. Video Message for the Collection Good Friday 2025
Episcopal Ordination of Mgr Iyad Twal
March 04, 2025
On February 28, the Latin Patriarchate celebrated the episcopal ordination of Bishop and Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan, Mgr Iyad Twal. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Church of the Baptism in Jordan.
Consecration of the Croatian Chapel at the Shepherds’ Field
March 04, 2025
In this land where the "Good News" announced by the angels to the shepherds still resonates, a new sign of hope is taking shape. On March 1st, around 300 pilgrims from Croatia gathered at the Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour for the consecration of the Croatian chapel, dedicated to Saint Jerome and Saint Nicholas Tavelić.
Lent
Symbols of Lent: silence
March 18, 2025
A symbol to embrace during Lent is silence. In the words of Br Giuseppe Gaffurini, the example of Saint Joseph teaches its importance.
The Schools of the Holy Land: A Journey of Hope
March 17, 2025
From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, students and teachers from the Holy Land schools prayed together with one heart and one soul. The suffering of the Holy Land is one, and so is the prayer for peace.
Supporting Christians in the Holy Land: A Gesture of Mercy
March 13, 2025
For over 800 years, the Franciscan friars have been the living presence of the Church in the Holy Land. They safeguard the shrines, preserve the spiritual heritage, and support local Christians with dedication. They have founded schools, hospitals, and charitable programs, ensuring that Christian identity remains alive in the land of Christ. In the words of the Economo of the Custody of the Holy Land, Br Tony Choukry, the importance of the Good Friday Collection is emphasized.
Ash Wednesday in the Holy Land
March 05, 2025
On March 5, the Church in the Holy Land celebrated Ash Wednesday. From the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, from Bethlehem to Gaza, the liturgy marked the beginning of Lent.
Chapel of condemnation: imitating the steps of the immolated lamb
March 30, 2023
In anticipation of Holy Week, the Custody's Lenten pilgrimages made a stop at the Chapel of Condemnation, where - according to the Gospel - Pilate condemns Jesus to death and has him loaded with the cross.
Custody of the Holy Land
Mount Nebo: a community in prayer for peace
November 07, 2023
From the shrines of the Custody of the Holy Land, prayers for peace rise unceasingly. Even from Mount Nebo in Jordan, where life continues, the Franciscan community does not forget the difficult time the Holy Land is experiencing.
Giovanna Repellini and the Architect of the Holy Land: The Basilica of the Transfiguration
October 30, 2023
In the centennial year of the Tabor and Gethsemane basilicas, architect and writer Giovanna Repellini introduces us to Antonio Barluzzi.
From Italy an orchestra for Rhodes
October 24, 2023
For the first time an Italian orchestra lands in Rhodes, Greece, and for the first time a concert for organ and orchestra and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's musical and spiritual masterpiece, the Stabat Mater, is performed on the island.
From the Holy Sepulcher in prayer for peace
October 10, 2023
The Franciscan community of the Holy Sepulcher, every day in procession retraces, inside the Basilica, the places of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. These days, in particular, prayers are said for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
The challenges of the Franciscan Mission in Syria
October 05, 2023
In the words of Brother Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor and Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, the challenges of the mission in Syria. A community scarred by war and the latest earthquake.
