From the desk of the Tar Heel disciple:
September 25, 2026 (#135)
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Many of the nation's Catholics are familiar with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located adjacent to The Catholic University of America in the District of Columbia. Over the years countless thousands have made pilgrimage to this immense shrine church and perhaps even more have seen broadcasts of the liturgies celebrated there. Many fewer are familiar with a nearby church, also worthy of pilgrimage, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, located on a hill now called Mount Saint Sepulcher, in the Brookland section of Northeast Washington.
This lesser-known shrine is founded in the work of the Franciscan Friars in the Holy Land, that is Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Rhodes, and Cyprus. For just over 800 years, the Franciscans (Order of Friars Minor) have maintained a faithful and committed Catholic presence in many of the shrines, parishes, schools, and charitable works within these territories. The recruitment of vocations for these laborers and the raising of the necessary financial contributions to sustain them are among the principal works of this institution. In addition, these make the life and work of the Church in the Holy Land known in this country, organize pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and provide this local place for pilgrimage.
The church itself, begun in 1898, completed in 1899, and finally consecrated in 1924, includes chapels and spaces reminiscent of various sacred places located in the Holy Land, e.g., Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, etc. In these difficult times, when travel to the Holy Land might be especially dangerous, or, perhaps, for those who do not have the wherewithal for international travel, this shrine provides a more proximate place for pilgrimage. In addition to the various chapels within the church, there are also extensive formal gardens surrounding the shrine, beautifully maintained. The church is open daily between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with confessions heard throughout the day and Masses offered at stated hours. Since 2022, it is also the only location where the public celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass is allowed by the cardinal-archbishop in the city of Washington (at 9 a,m. on Sunday mornings).
In addition to replicas of the holy places connected to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, there is a large underground space providing an experience of the catacombs of Rome. And in the extensive and well-maintained outdoor gardens, there is a large replica of the grotto at Lourdes, France. The Rosary portico, with its individual tiles of the “Hail Mary” in a multitude of languages, greets the pilgrim upon arrival on the church grounds.
This Catholic pilgrimage site is worthy! Individuals and groups, Catholic and non-Catholic, may find it instructive and inspirational. Tours are provided and groups are welcome. Here, children of various ages can be introduced to or fortified in their faith as they explore the church and grounds. And all the while, visitors/pilgrims can learn about life of fellow Christians in the Holy Land today and choose, perhaps, to more fully support them, prayerfully and charitably.
For more information on the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC, see:
