Luminarias Are Back At The Monastery - 7 Nights Of Lights From Christmas Through New Years

There are many longstanding traditions in Brookland, especially around the holidays. One of our favorites is the annual “Seven Nights of Lights” which is back at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America this year. The tradition includes over 1,000 candles (luminarias) dedicated to loved ones for whom prayers are offered. The candles remain lit 24 x 7 for the seven nights from Christmas to New Years. All are welcome – even if you are not religious, strolling the monastery grounds and reflecting on the candle lights during the 7 nights provides a peaceful respite from the holiday hustle-bustle. From the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild Website:

Donate luminarias in honor of/in memory of your loved ones and their names will be placed on a luminaria placed at the Monastery from Dec. 24-31, 2021, listed on the Luminaria Tribute page on this website, and included in the friars’ daily prayers.

Also join us at the Franciscan Monastery (1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC) on Dec. 24, 2021, 1 p.m., for the blessing and lighting of the luminaria.

By donating a luminaria, you not only honor your loved ones in a special way, but you also support the care and preservation of the historic Monastery gardens, as well as the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild’s fresh farm program, critical to helping address hunger in our community.

Orders must be received by Dec. 18, 2021, so we can prepare the candles with your loved ones names.

Order luminarias here. The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land is located at 1400 Quincy St. NE 20017.