Franciscan Monastery USA Inc

The Franciscan Monastery USA Inc, also known as the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving America's Holy Land pilgrims through education, fundraising, recruitment of vocations, promotion of pilgrimages, and providing pastoral ministry locally. Founded as part of the mission of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, the monastery serves as the U.S. home for the Franciscan friars' efforts to support Christians in the Holy Land, continuing a tradition of over 800 years of care for the people and sacred sites linked to the life of Jesus Christ.

Located in Washington, D.C., the Franciscan Monastery is recognized not only for its religious and cultural mission but also as an oasis of peace and a destination for visitors interested in its beautiful gardens and replicas of Holy Land shrines. The monastery was dedicated in 1898 and stands as one of the city’s historic and spiritual treasures, offering a serene environment for prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage.

The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, with donations considered tax-deductible. Its activities include supporting the Franciscan friars in their work to promote peace and care for the diverse communities and sanctuaries of the Holy Land. Contributions to the monastery help fund special projects and sustain the friars’ mission in a region of profound religious significance.

The governance of Franciscan Monastery USA Inc involves a board of directors that includes members of the Franciscan community, such as Friar Larry Dunham and Friar John Sebastian, alongside lay leaders and professionals committed to advancing the monastery’s mission.

Through its educational programs, pilgrimages, and pastoral outreach, the Franciscan Monastery continues to foster a connection between the American faithful and the historical and spiritual heritage of the Holy Land, embodying the Franciscan ideals of peace, service, and hospitality.