YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS GALA

16th ANNUAL MASS & BENEFIT DINNER

NOVEMBER 1, 2026 – MASS 4:00 PM

We invite you to this year’s Annual Mass and Benefit Gala to be held Sunday, November 1, 2026, at our historic monastery in Washington, DC. This festive evening unites the Friars of the Monastery with our benefactors who share a deep commitment to preserving this sacred corner of the Holy Land in the U.S. while also promoting and sustaining the Franciscan and Christian presence in the Holy Land.

This year’s Gala will also celebrate the Year of St. Francis which marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s entrance into Heaven. Celebrate with us as we honor His Excellency, Most Reverend Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who has been a close friend to the Holy Land as he served for years as the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon. In addition, we are delighted to have good friend of the monastery, Dr. Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, as our Master of Ceremonies.

Arrive early to walk around our verdant gardens or tour the upper and lower church. At 4:00 PM, Sunday Mass will be celebrated by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, OFM. Our gifted vocalist and organist, Sophia Anastasi Griffin & Paul Griffin, will enhance our devotion during Mass with their music and also delight us again during dinner. After Mass, we will gather in the beautiful and rarely seen cloistered garden for hors d’oeuvres and aperitif. Afterwards, we will walk over to St. Francis Hall for our three-course meal, award presentation, musical interlude, and an update from the Holy Land.

SPONSORSHIP AND PROGRAM REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 15, 2026.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS SALES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 1, 2026. 

FOR SPONSORSHIPS, PROGRAM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, & EVENT DETAILS CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact Sue Lohsen at sue@myfranciscan.com or 202-734-3880. You may also contact
our development team at development@myfranciscan.com.