The friars of the Washington DC monastery inaugurated the month of November by hosting the traditional Mass and gala dinner, attended by the custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo. Now in its 15th edition, this charitable event culminates with the presentation of the Custody’s highest honor to those who have distinguished themselves in helping the mission of the friars of the Holy Land: the Grato Animo medal. The event was also attended by a delegation from the Magnificat Institute of Jerusalem, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. Fr. Ielpo’s participation in the dinner coincided with his first trip to the United States as custos of the Holy Land.

This year, the medal was presented by the Father Custos to Msgr. Paul Loverde, bishop emeritus of Arlington, Virginia, USA, for the tireless support he has offered for decades to the Franciscan Monastery and the Holy Land. This initiative represents an important opportunity for Jerusalem to build bridges with this overseas Custody reality and to reap the fruits of solidarity sown quietly by this community of friars.

Over the years, the gala dinner has brought together numerous participants who have generously answered the Franciscans’ call and supported, both from afar and through pilgrimages, the work of the friars in the Holy Land. The admirable work that the friars of Washington carry out throughout the year to raise awareness of the mission’s condition in the Holy Land finds an important response of solidarity and closeness to the cause during this evening.

Fr. Francesco Ielpo is the third custos to take part in this initiative, after Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Francesco Patton. During the dinner, Fr. Ielpo thanked friends and benefactors for their support, which allows the Franciscan presence in the region to be maintained through education, unity, and care for the Holy Places. He shared the story of a family from Bethlehem helped to remain in their land, a symbol of how generosity transforms fear into hope. Despite difficulties, the friars continue their mission of service, education, and dialogue. He finally invited everyone to remain close, to spread the mission, and to invest in education, the foundation of peace.

The intervention of the protagonist of this evening of solidarity, Msgr. Loverde, was also moving. Loverde, visibly moved, told the audience that we can all be "co-partners" of the Franciscan missionaries of the Holy Land, because we are all called to support them materially and spiritually. This help is essential so that the friars remain in their mission land, since "shepherds never abandon their flock."

Three musicians from the Magnificat Institute of Jerusalem enlivened the evening by performing several pieces. Since 1995, this music academy, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, has spoken through the universal language of music to those who otherwise would not speak to each other. The three musicians, Hadi Sabat (piano), Tetyana Belster (violin), and Hadeel Sabat (flute), were accompanied by the Custodial Secretary and director of the same Magnificat, Fr. Alberto Pari.

Although the gala dinner was the main reason for Fr. Ielpo’s trip to the United States, the custos took the opportunity to visit the monastery and the Commissariat based there, to meet and speak with the roughly twenty members of the community, and to review the present and future of this strategic mission site. Asked about it, Fr. Ielpo said he found a surprisingly lively community, despite its high average age, where an authentic spirit of fraternity is felt, prayer is well cared for, and relationships are sincere. The custos noted that he perceived a deeply Franciscan environment and was impressed by the industriousness of the friars, including the elderly, who continue to witness an enthusiastic spirit.

On Sunday, November 2, Father Francesco Ielpo presided once again at Mass in the presence of many faithful who came for the solemn commemoration of the deceased. In the afternoon, the three musicians from the Magnificat performed in the church of the Franciscan Monastery before dozens of enthusiastic spectators. The notes of their performance warmed the hearts of those present and, through the universal language of music, conveyed a message of peace and hope.