Our first full day in Bethlehem began at Shepherd's Field where Angels announced the birth of the savior to shepherds in the field. We joined pilgrims from other lands in the little church there singing "Silent Night" in multiple languages.
We celebrated Sunday Mass with the local parish - St. Catherine's. Three faith communities have churches at the holy site of the nativity - Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian.
We came bearing gifts for the children of Bethlehem and placed them below the infant Jesus.
After Mass we venerated the birthplace of our Lord Jesus and the place where he was laid in the manger.
Our afternoon concluded with a stop at the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Shop, so that we can come home bearing gifts to loved ones back home.
We celebrated Sunday Mass with the local parish - St. Catherine's. Three faith communities have churches at the holy site of the nativity - Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian.
We came bearing gifts for the children of Bethlehem and placed them below the infant Jesus.
After Mass we venerated the birthplace of our Lord Jesus and the place where he was laid in the manger.
Our afternoon concluded with a stop at the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Shop, so that we can come home bearing gifts to loved ones back home.