Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land

The Coat of Arms

In the upper part, there is the Franciscan symbol, representing St. Francis' conformity with Christ: their arms cross each other and both their hands are pierced, as Francis received the stigmata on Mount La Verna.  In the lower part, there is the "Cross of the Holy Land",  a big cross surrounded by four smaller ones.

It dates from the Byzantine period and it means that Christ, dying on the Cross, spread the salvation throughout the world.  The Crusaders used this emblem as their coat of arms, adding a second meaning to it: the big Cross represents Jesus's side pierced with a lance, and the four smaller crosses are the four wounds in his hands and his feet.  The Franciscans Friars of the Holy Land use this emblem with both meanings, which always keep their vitality.

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