In 1933 the General Superiors decided to build a house in Jerusalem (suburb of Talbiye). This would serve as a hospice for young friars who needed to improve their knowledge of the biblical sciences and for friars visiting the Holy City. Until the mid-eighties there was a period of tranquillity, interrupted only by the requisition of a large part of the land and property by the government of Israel during the constitution of the new State (1948).

In the early 80's the General Minister and his Definitory decided that the time had come to face and resolve the situation of the house with all the related problems. Following a long legal trial, the government of Israel vacated our property, returning it to the Order after some sixty years. The property and friary are situated at a strategic point of the city; about 15 minutes walk from the Old City. The friary is situated in a large piece of ground measuring 10,000 square meters. The Order considers this place as a privileged one and it seeks to support its three complementary features:

The Province of Venice has taken on the management of this house. For this purpose, in 1994 the General Minister and the Venice Province signed an agreement describing the purpose of the house and ensuring that the original intentions of the first foundation substantially remain, namely: “It shall be a meaningful Christian, Franciscan and Capuchin presence in Jerusalem, with a spirit of ecumenism and of service, in accordance with the charism of the local Church”. It shall continue to be “primarily a place of hospitality for the friars of the Order for Biblical research, spiritual experience, sabbatical periods and apostolate among pilgrims to the Holy Land.”

Address:
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
18 Disraeli Street - Talbiye
92222 Jerusalem
Israel
tel: +9722 5610817
fax: +9722 5611162
e-mail framcap@netvision.net.il