25th annual Seven Nights of Lights
Be a part of our Christmas tradition of “Seven Nights of Lights” held each year at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, the Rosary Portico that surrounds the upper garden and the Portiuncula Chapel glowa with the light from luminaria — each of which lists the name of a loved one being remembered or honored.
- Order your dedications online (suggested donation $15 each) or
- Download this order form and mail in with a check.
- Dedication orders must be received by Dec. 18, 2024, so we have time to prepare and place the candles.
Those honored or remembered also will be listed on the Luminaria Tribute page on this website, and included in the friars’ daily prayers.
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 to New Year’s, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
- Evening hours: Friday, Dec. 27, until 7 p.m.
- Parking is free at the lot across from the main entrance and St. Francis Hall.
Your Dedications Make a Difference
When you donate luminaria in honor or in memory of your loved ones, not only do you remember them in a special way, but you also support the care and preservation of the historic Monastery gardens, as well as the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild’s urban farm program, critical to helping address food insecurity in our community.
Thank you for your support and have a Blessed Advent and Christmas.