Blessing and Lighting of the Luminaria

25th annual Seven Nights of Lights

From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, the Rosary Portico that surrounds the upper garden and the Portiuncula Chapel at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America glow with the light from luminaria — each of which lists the name of a loved one being remembered or honored.

See the names of those honored on our Luminaria Tribute page. They will be remembered in the friars’ daily prayers from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve.

Luminaria Tributes

Dec. 24: Come to the Blessing and Lighting of the Luminaria

Join us at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC 20017, on Christmas Eve at noon for the traditional blessing and lighting of the luminaria. (You can help light the candles!)

  • The monastery gardens and chapel with the luminaria are open daily for visits from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
  • Evening hours: Friday, Dec. 27, the upper garden will remain open until 7 p.m.
  • Parking is free at the lot across from the main entrance and St. Francis Hall.

Thank you for your support and have a Blessed Advent and Christmas.

Volunteer with Us

We are an all volunteer organization and welcome new members and volunteers. New volunteers or group inquiries, email us at gardenguild@gmail.com

Volunteer Opportunities

  • With our community food donation program, in the greenhouse and urban farm. Typical volunteer days in season are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Email us to check dates, especially in winter.)
  • Join the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild
  • Lead garden tours (training required)
  • Help with special events, including the annual Easter lily sale, Plant & Herb Sale and Christmas Luminaria