JERUSALEM – Saturday, January 17, 2026, marked the conclusion of the audio journey “Life as Friars in Jerusalem” with the release of the fourth and final episode. The podcast, produced by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, opened the doors of the friary in the Talbiye neighborhood in the southwestern part of the Old City for four weeks.
Curated by journalist Anna Maria Selini, an expert in reporting from crisis areas, the series combined the presentation of the spiritual values that characterize the place with the “stories” experienced by the friars and many others: we can say it was a human and spiritual reportage. The last episode represents the seal of a journey, having accompanied the listener into the Holy Sepulcher. One of the characteristics of the city emerged clearly during the journey: it is the most religiously diverse and multifaceted place in the world.
A journey in four stages
The podcast, launched at the end of December 2025, accompanied listeners on a narrative and spiritual crescendo.
Ep. 1 – Of land and archives. The journey began in the archives, recounting the audacity of the first friars who, in the 1930s, purchased the land, betting on a presence in the Holy Land that seemed impossible.
Ep. 2 and 3 – Fra Pasquale, the missing link, delving into lives and history. The central episodes revealed an interesting past, where the convent was first transformed into a British barracks and then into an Israeli psychiatric hospital, until its restoration led by charismatic figures such as Fra Pasquale Rota. These episodes were rich in reflections and knowledge of Sacred Scripture, taking us through the narrow streets of the historic center and among the archaeological excavations.
Ep. 4 – Special visit to the Holy Sepulchre. With the last episode on January 17, the focus shifted to the present and the future, to eternity: we were led into the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, obviously a very important place for all Christian denominations, where we were able to dwell on many elements, guided by Brother Enrico.
One goal of “Life as Friars in Jerusalem” that was fully achieved was to shift the focus from the stones of the shrines to the “living stones.” Through the voices of the protagonists—Capuchin friars (Brother Alfredo, Brother Yunus, Brother Paolo, Brother Enrico, etc.) and journalists—the four episodes conveyed the profound meaning of a mission that consists of study, guardianship, hospitality, but above all, silent and peaceful presence. The podcast ends by leaving listeners not only with new historical insights, but also with an open question about the role of spirituality as a bridge in a multi-ethnic and multicultural land.
The complete series is available on the official website www.ofmcap.org and on the main audio streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker).