Capuchin Presence in Jerusalem
In the Land of Jesus
The Talbiye neighborhood in Jerusalem, where the Capuchin Friars Minor convent is located, is a short distance from the Old City, about a twenty-minute walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is an elegant and peaceful area, characterized by numerous historic buildings constructed with the typical local white stone.
The convent is located in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, considered one of the main and most important in Jerusalem, rich in green spaces, playgrounds, pedestrian boulevards, and places dedicated to relaxation and social life.
The land on which the convent stands was purchased by the Capuchin Friars in 1931, and the foundation of the building was officially sanctioned in 1932 by Blessed Giacomo da Ghazir. The intention was to build a religious domus and a college for biblical studies, thus creating a place of formation and spiritual deepening for the Capuchin Friars.
The church and convent were completed in 1937 but were immediately requisitioned by the British authorities for military use. The troops remained in the premises until 1948, when the structure came under the control of the newly formed State of Israel, which used it as a psychiatric clinic.
It was only in 1999, after a long and complex legal and administrative process, that the property was finally returned to the Capuchin Friars. Between 2007 and 2010, the convent underwent careful restoration, leading to its rebirth as a center for spirituality and biblical and archaeological studies, inaugurated in 2011. Other parts of the structure are awaiting restoration and redevelopment.
The Capuchin convent in Jerusalem now covers an area of about five acres. Known for its atmosphere of silence and serenity, it is an ideal place for spiritual retreat. The compound is surrounded by greenery and offers wide paths, well-kept gardens with a variety of flowers and hedges, a vegetable garden, a vineyard, fruit trees, and imposing centuries-old maritime pines.
The primary purpose and founding project of the House is the development of the Center for Spirituality and Biblical and Archaeological Formation “I am the Light of the World,” the heart of the convent’s life.
Alongside the Capuchin community, two other religious congregations live independently within the complex: the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist (two nuns) and the Ursuline Sisters of St. Charles (two nuns).
The convent actively collaborates with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, providing space and buildings for three distinct initiatives:
- “St. Rachele,” which offers childcare for the children of migrant workers;
- “Angeli Custodi,” aimed at children from families in crisis or with single parents;
- “SS. Marta e Maria,” dedicated to religious and lay people who collaborate in educational and social projects.
There are numerous and diverse collaborations between the friars of the House and the Custody of the Holy Land of the Order of Friars Minor.
Currently, the convent is directly dependent on the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, and the local fraternity has an international character. The friars come from different provinces around the world, including Italy, India, and Zimbabwe.
The friars are dedicated to the management of the Center and the fraternity, to the study and teaching of Sacred Scripture and Archaeology (at various academic institutions in the area, such as the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of the Friars Minor, the École Biblique et Archéologique Française of the Dominican Friars, the Salesians’ Ratisbonne Theological Study), dialogue with the Jewish and Islamic traditions, the enhancement and promotion of biblical and archaeological studies, spiritual guidance for groups in the Holy Land, sacramental and pastoral assistance to religious communities and parishes, and chaplaincy for migrant worker communities in Israel, currently Konkani and Malayalam-speaking Indians.
The Capuchin friary in Jerusalem is an important center of ongoing formation for the Order. The General Secretariat for Formation is active in organizing courses for different language groups (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, etc.). The house is at the service of the various Capuchin Conferences and Provinces through the hospitality of the friars, with particular attention to those in formation (post-novitiate and studentate). The convent welcomes Capuchin friars and other religious from all over the world for sabbaticals, spiritual retreats, teaching assignments at local institutes, or for a time of prayer and grace in the Holy Places. The “I am the light of the world” Center is the heart of these activities.
The facility hosts meetings, training sessions, and spiritual exercises for Salesian theology students, Friars Minor, Missionaries of Africa, other male and female religious institutes, and priests present in Israel, pastoral workers active in the country, Hebrew-speaking Catholic laypeople, and other ecclesial groups.
The Center has 27 rooms: 13 singles, 5 doubles (including 3 with double beds), 3 triples, and 6 quadruples, for a total of 56 beds. All rooms are spacious, well furnished, equipped with private bathrooms, and individually controlled temperature (air conditioning and heating).
The convent chapel is large, modern, and rich in symbolic meaning, combining elements of Jewish tradition with contemporary Christian artistic expressions. The friars celebrate the Liturgy twice a day (Mass and Lauds, Vespers).
The refectory can accommodate up to 60 people. A “mini” library and a cozy lounge offer adequate space for conversations and informal meetings, while the main conference room can accommodate up to 100 people.
For information, write to: [email protected].
May the Lord bless you abundantly, now and always.
Capuchin Monastery in Jerusalem
16 Disraeli Street – Talbiye
9222218 Jerusalem
Israel
Tel. +972 2 651 6906
Fax. +972 2 651 6905
Videos:
- Capuchin Monastery in Jerusalem – presentation
- Capuchins in Jerusalem – interview in Italian
- Capuchins in Jerusalem – interview in English
Photos:
