FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN THE HOLY LAND

Christmas was a splendid and rather warm day in Bethlehem.  The traditional celebrations took place in a festive atmosphere and the usual throngs of pilgrims and tourists continued to arrive at the Nativity Basilica until late in the afternoon.

On Christmas eve at 2.30 pm the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, accompanied by the clergy and seminarians of the Latin Patriarchate as well as by the Franciscan friars, made his solemn entry into the Basilica of the Nativity and then proceeded to the parish church of Santa Catharina for the celebration of Vespers and Procession to the Grotto Nativity.

The celebration of Christmas night took place also in Santa Catharina church, with a welcome para-liturgical celebration, commemorating the event of the crib made by Saint Francis in Greccio in 1223, followed by the singing of the Office of the Readings and the Pontifical high Mass presided by the Latin Patriarch.  During his homily the Patriarch, who is a polyglot, pronounced messages in French, English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Arabic.  He insisted that the Holy Land is rendered holy not only by the places that commemorate Jesus Christ, but also by the living presence of the Christians who should give a witness to holiness in the very place sanctified by the presence of Christ, and where there is still so much division, hatred and suffering.  At the end of the Mass the Patriarch followed the Franciscans and circa 150 concelebrants to the Nativity Grotto, carrying in procession the statue of the Child Jesus that he then laid in the manger.

On Christmas day at 10 am the Patriarch again presided over a Pontifical high Mass in Arabic, for the benefit of the local Catholics of the parish of Bethlehem, who often find it difficult to find a place in the overcrowded church on Christmas night.

The atmosphere outside the Basilica was a festive one, with the decorations and lights in Manger Square and a large Christmas tree, illuminating in Nativity Square, decorated by the Franciscans who are in charge of the two pilgrim hostels, Casa Nova and Palace, situated close to the Basilica.  Various concerts were organised, both in the church of Santa Catharina as well as in Manger Square.  Christmas seemed to be everybody’s feast, with many Muslim families and children taking photos in front of the Christmas tree.

Last year the Christmas spirit ended abruptly on 27th December, when Israel started Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.  This year it seems that the peaceful atmosphere will hold, at least for the time being.