The Nazareth mission was founded in 2006 at the request of the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, in order to assist the Franciscan Order in zealing, keeping the silence and receiving the pilgrims at the Shrine of the Annunciation. We are responsible for the Pilgrims’ Office, the Liturgical Animation (music and liturgy), the Shrine, as well as for welcoming the pilgrimage groups that visit the Shrine daily.