OFM

In a solemn and grace-filled celebration at the Church of St. Saviour in Jerusalem, the Custody of the Holy Land welcomed ten new deacons on 21 June 2026. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and concelebrated by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, together with the friars of the Custody.

The ordination marked the beginning of a new mission of service in the Church, as the friars, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, were entrusted with the diaconal ministry of charity and service. In his homily, Patriarch Pizzaballa reminded them that the path of mission may be demanding, but they will “never be alone,” for God’s faithful presence will sustain them.

A special moment of joy for India was the ordination of two friars among the ten: Br. Leo Max, from the Foundation of St. Francis of Assisi, North East India, and Br. Joseph Lakra, from the Custody of Mary the Mother of God, India. Their ordination is a moment of pride and thanksgiving for the Franciscan family in India, reflecting the growing missionary commitment of the Order in the Holy Land.

The newly ordained deacons expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Patriarch, the Custos, their formators, communities, and families for accompanying them on their vocational journey. Their ordination stands as a witness to the Franciscan call to humble service, fraternity, and Gospel witness in the land sanctified by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.