Bethlehem


The most amazing moment happened today. We arrived in Bethlehem and headed to St Catherine which is the Catholic Church which is next to the Nativity where we celebrated Mass in a small chapel which shared a wall with the site of the nativity. After Mass Rami came down and informed us that the Franciscans have given us permission to join their procession.


The star is where it is believed Jesus was born. After the procession we were able to go back the the Church of the Nativity and reflecting the birth of Jesus.

It is hard to believe that Christians are in the minority in such an influential place in our faith. We have been discussing in our groups what sacrifices we need to make to be Catholic and it is so difficult for me to contemplate my own sacrifices as they seem to be so insignificant compared to the life of our fellow Catholics here. Imagine not being able to leave with out being given permission by Palestine. Your family may be on the other side of the road and now their is wall between you.. it is hard to imagine how difficult life would be. After the visit we went to a local restaurant for lunch where we were informed they didn’t have power ( which is a daily experience) as yet agin Palestine shuts power off to the different areas that have second class citizens (Christians and Muslim) Our guide Rami was saying that it happens most evenings in his house between five and eight every night. It is hard to believe but also makes me realise how important it is to ensure we are living out our baptismal promise and be inclusive of all.
Let’s hope we can find the courage together to invite all to ‘come and see’.
Here are some photos you may like to reflect on.




Humility door 



Christmas time in Bethlehem









The ceiling of the church are often made of wood to represent the bough of a boat.

Smiling Madonna this is the only icon of the Madonna smiling.

These mosaics are dated back to the 15 th century

The star shows where Jesus was born




Joining the procession.








Comments

  1. Mrs FardellJanuary 11, 2020 at 11:25 AM

    How beautiful of them to let you join the procession. Wow to be at the actual spot where Christ was born. How amazing. What magnificent artwork and architectural detail these historical places have.
    How sad that they get their power cut off. That's horrible. Sometimes we take for granted how lucky we are over here to have our freedom and needs yet in such a Holy and sacred place they are punished for their faith but yet it's so strong and I bet they don't complain bless them. Hope you still got to eat something for lunch lol.
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs StandringJanuary 11, 2020 at 11:51 AM

      Had a beautiful lunch yummy hummus and charcoaled meat. They are so hospitable.

      Delete
  2. Mrs TuetueJanuary 17, 2020 at 12:12 AM

    This is so beautiful!

    Looking forward to seeing more of your experience. Thank you sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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