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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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. [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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.
Prepare for the celebration of Christmas with a late Advent retreat. Let the Holy Land shrines at the Franciscan Monastery connect you to the Nativity narratives, immerse yourself in Scripture, and draw closer to Christ before we celebrate His birth. Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM leads this retreat with an option to partake in Reconciliation and attend [...]
Please note: The Monastery will be closed to visitors with the exception of Mass attendance.