On Monday, 21st July, the Custody of the Holy Land formally welcomed its new Custos, Father Francesco Ielpo, with a solemn entrance ceremony at Jaffa Gate, leading into the Old City of Jerusalem. The event was graced by the presence of Bishop Bruno Varriano, the friars of the Custody, and the local Ordinaries of the Holy Land.
The procession was led by the friars of the Custody, followed by the newly appointed Custos, Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of the Custody, and Br. Alojzy Sławomir Warot, the General Visitor. The march was solemnly accompanied by the hymn Te Deum Laudámus, echoing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Before the gathered assembly, the General Visitor read aloud the official decree of appointment issued by the Minister General of the Order, Fr. Massimo Fusarelli. Following this, the new Custos approached the altar and took the oath of office, placing his hand upon the Gospel as a sign of fidelity and service.The ceremony concluded with Br. Francesco Patton formally handing over the seal of the Custody to Fr. Ielpo, thus symbolizing the official transfer of responsibility and leadership within the Custody of the Holy Land.
