Community Corner
Looking for Christmas Lights? Blessing and Lighting of the Luminaria
All are welcome to this Christmas Eve tradition as 1,000 candles are lit outside the historic Franciscan Monastery church and gardens
A Christmas Eve tradition to enjoy! On Dec. 24, 1:30 p.m., 1,000 luminaria candles will be blessed and lit at the historic Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. The candles will illuminate the monastery’s outdoor rosary portico from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve as part of the “Seven Nights of Lights.”
Each candle is dedicated to an individual, for whom prayers are offered throughout Christmas week. The monastery also is home to a full-size replica of the Nativity Grotto and manger from Bethlehem.
The Franciscan Monastery is at 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC 20017 (free parking/Brookland-CUA Metro/H6 bus). Information: Facebook/gardenguild or myfranciscan.org or 202-526-6800.
