Franciscan Monastery - Wash D.C.
 

I just read an article in the March/April issue of AARP about the Franciscan Monastery in Washington D.C., and I was wondering if anyone can comment on whether it's worth visiting. Their website was not too informative. www.myfranciscan.com

According to the AARP article, the monastery is known for their replications of holy shrines located throughout Christiandom - the Portiuncula Chapel near Assisi, Italy - the Grotto in Lourdes - the Chapel of the Ascension on Mount Olivet - the Coptic House in Old Cairo - the Grotto of Gethsemane near Jerusalem - the catacombs of ancient Rome.

Is this worth a stop if we're visiting in D.C.? How much time would it take to visit? Peace. :)>-

Robyn

I have not been, but am posting in case anyone else responds to you.

I've lived here 25 years and whenever I've driven it by I always say: "I need to check this place out". Oh well, one of these days.....

It's close to Catholic University and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which might also be worth a quick peek.

It's an 8 block walk from Brookland Metro and there is not much else around it - mostly houses. Exception is a pub at 9th & Monroe st. NE (Colonel Brooks Tavern)

I went when I was in elementary school on a church trip (20 yrs ago), so I am also posting in case no one else does. The Franciscan Monastery is not a terribly popular site in D.C., and whether it's worth a stop depends on what you're looking for. If religious sites interest you, and you are in the neighborhood, with a car, it might be worth the trip. But then again, we also have the National Cathedral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, so it's not a top church-related sight. To my then 8-year-old mind, the best thing about the Franciscan Monastery was the catacombs. I don't think the sight would take much time to see, maybe an hour at most. But if you're short on time in DC, I would skip it.

Thanks for the replies so far. Does anyone have any other comments to add about the Monastery? :)>-

Robyn

I have a friend who went a year ago and loved it. She said it is a tour that takes less than an hour. May is supposed to be lovely due to the abundance of roses. In the springtime I believe it would be really lovely because of the gardens. I also know someone living in the area, and frankly, it is a rough neighborhood at night especially. Based on my friend's recommendation though, I would go, and am actually planning to go this spring. She said there's plenty of parking at the monastery and that she felt safe. Have fun!

topping for <b>suzanne97</b>

Peace :)&gt;-