On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Franciscans, Dominicans, and other priests and religious of the Holy Land came together hand in hand at the Basilica of Saint Stephen in Jerusalem to celebrate the Translation of the Relics of our Blessed Father Saint Dominic.
Faithful to the unbreakable bond that has united the Order of Friars Minor and the Order of Preachers since the meeting of their founders in Rome in the 13th century, the Mass was presided over by Fr. Stéphane Milovitch, OFM, Latin Prior of the Holy Sepulchre. The homily was delivered by Fr. Francesco Patton, OFM, Custos of the Holy Land. Each year, on October 4, this fraternal tradition is mirrored when the Dominicans of Jerusalem go to preach at Saint Saviour’s Monastery, not far from the École biblique et archéologique française.
“The preaching of the Gospel of peace by the friars preachers remains as vital today as ever,” emphasized the Custos. That black and white dog—symbol of the Dominican habit—who sets the world ablaze with the Word of God, continues, and must continue, to inspire.
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Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum. Fr. Stéphane presides the mass.
Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.In that same spirit of unity, those who took part in this special liturgy later shared a time of fellowship and fraternal exchange.
From the site of Saint Stephen’s martyrdom—where this basilica now stands—may we, in his footsteps, commit ourselves to bearing witness to a love that is radiant and alive.
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Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
Click here to watch a short video of the celebration.
