Franciscan Monastery / Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America recently announced a rich calendar of activities for the Christmas season aimed at helping the faithful prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, located in Washington, D.C., is a national shrine that serves as the “Little Jerusalem” of the United States, providing a pilgrimage site for those who cannot travel to the Holy Land. Spanning 42 acres, the shrine offers century-old gardens, replicas of shrines in Israel and the catacombs in Rome, and a memorial Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
A Dec. 16 press release from the monastery emphasized the importance of the Advent season in light of global challenges.
“With all the upheaval in the world, keeping Advent can truly help us prepare for Christmas and remember that the Prince of Peace is with us and helping us,” the release stated.
To foster spiritual growth, the monastery invites visitors to partake in Confession, noting that the Sacrament serves as “a great way to cleanse our hearts and fortify our resolve for Christ to be reborn in our hearts.”
Guests are also encouraged to join guided tours of the Monastery Church, where they can pray at replicas of significant Holy Land shrines, including the Grotto of the Nativity. In addition, visitors can experience the Nativities of the World Exhibition in the lobby.
The Christmas season celebrations at the monastery include:
Tuesday, Dec. 24: Blessing and Lighting of the Luminaria at noon
Tuesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Vigil Masses at 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and midnight
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Christmas Mass at 11 a.m.; the Monastery closes after Mass
Thursday, Dec. 26: Masses at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.; the Monastery closes after the 7 a.m. Mass
Friday, Dec. 27: Monastery remains open until 7 p.m., allowing people to visit the luminaria
Sunday, Dec. 29: Sunday Mass at 11 a.m., Concert of Christmas Carols and Hymns at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31: Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Wednesday, Jan. 1: Mass at 11 a.m. for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
