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Luminaria Dedications

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.

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.

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