Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Adoring Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is an experience that will set your heart on fire. Surrounded by the beauty of the main church and replicas of the most revered Christian shrines in the Holy Land, you will be transported to the time when [...]

Blessing of Animals

Pope Francis writes that to St. Francis of Assisi, “each and every creature was a sister united to him by bonds of affection. That is why he felt called to care for all that exists.” Around the world at the time of our founder’s feast, Franciscans bless animals to celebrate the great insight of the saint—that [...]

The Transitus of Saint Francis

On the evening of October 3rd each year, Franciscans around the world celebrate the death of St. Francis—his death “transitus,” or “passing.” Join the men and women of the D.C. area Franciscan family, at 7:00 p.m. that evening in the Monastery church, as we celebrate saint’s entrance into heaven, in a special prayer service. Visit the [...]

Secular Franciscan Open House

Please join us Sunday, October 21st to learn the way of life as a Secular Franciscan. You are invited to stay after the Open House to share with us: Franciscan Crown Rosary: 11:00 a.m. Mass in Monastery: 12:00 p.m. Fraternity Social Gathering: 1:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Adele P. Lewis, Formation Director at 259-839-5489 [...]

Blessing of Bulbs

Join the friars after the 5 p.m. Mass for the Blessing of the Tulip Bulbs. The bulbs will be planted in our Monastery gardens for all to enjoy when they bloom next spring.

Annual Mass & Benefit Dinner

The Tenth Annual Mass & Benefit Dinner is an elegant event that raises funds to support Christians in the Holy Land and keep the Monastery open and accessible to pilgrims seeking an experience of the Holy Land in the U.S. Tickets sales begin in September. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For complete event details visit here. [...]

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Marian Tour (by reservation only)

A special Marian Tour will be offered at the Monastery at 1pm on November 21st, the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The tour focuses on the seven joys of the Blessed Mother, visiting the replicas in the Church and the Gardens associated with these joys. The seven joys of the Blessed Mother [...]

Onesie Drive

The Franciscan Monastery will be collecting new, unused onesies for newborns in the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem beginning Thanksgiving Day through December 7. Bring the onesies to Mass or drop off in the Monastery during regular business hours. A beautiful Christmas activity for the entire family.

Ron Freeman Chorale Concert

Join us for our annual Christmas Concert featuring The Ron Freeman Chorale. Enjoy these angelic voices singing Advent-inspired works by various classic composers in the beautiful Monastery church. Concert begins at 3:00 p.m. with reception and refreshments following. Can't attend? Live stream the event Dec. 2 at 3:00 p.m. Visit the calendar of events to see all the [...]

Simbang Gabi 9-day Mass Novena

Join us for Simbang Gabi, nine consecutive days of pre-dawn masses in preparation for Christmas, Sunday December 16th through Monday December 24th at 6:00 AM each morning. All are welcome. Learn more about the Simbang Gabi Christmas tradition here. Visit the calendar of events to see all the happenings at the Monastery.