Tuesday 21 May 2013

Bethlehem. Sr. Jo.

The Door of Humility leads into the Church of
the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativitiy).

Bethlehem: The courtyard outside the Basilica of the Nativity and the Church of St Catherine

Dear Sr. Jo,
There is never surprise and thrills on your journeys.
Thank you for your Email about your return to Bethlehem.
Let us see if the Internet shows more pictures from the leads to Links.
The time is all too short for the glorious experience.
D.G.
Donald |

domdonald.org.uk

http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/Israel/Bethlehem/picture6.htm

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ...Sent: Monday, 20 May 2013, 19:05
Subject: Bethlehem cont.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Columns inside the Church of
the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativity).

Tues. May 14th B E T H L E H E M

Again, I went to the Basilica of the Nativity. I had heard there would be a Mass there around 8.30am but I didn't know exactly where it would be. I saw a group of Srs. ( the ones with the helmets!) in St. Catherine's Church so I decided to wait and follow them. We heard a bell ring somewhere and up they got!

They led me - guess where - down the "going up stairs" into the Grotto of the Nativity! Our God of Surprises was at work again!

Bethlehem Inside the Grotto of the Nativity, an underground cave where Jesus was said to have been born.

About thirty of us fitted in nicely and they even brought in some benches and chairs. Three O.F.M.'s entered to concelebrate the Eucharist. It was a Sung Latin Mass with the Readings in Italian but we had the English translation.

I never dreampt for a moment that I would have the joyful privilege and blessing of participating in the Eucharist in this holy place! Praise the Lord!

Sr. Marie Paul had a fall this morning but she was still game to accompany me to the

"SHEPHERD'S FIELD" at 2pm. We had only taken a few steps outside the convent gates when a car stopped beside us and the lady driver started speaking to Marie Paul who knew her. When she heard where we were going, she said she was free and would be happy to drive us there! I could only praise and thank God, especially as we drove up and down several very steep hills.
I knew there was no way that M. Paul and I could have made it walking! The lady, who had already decided to drive us back, joined us as we visited the excavations, the large cave and chapel- so simple and humble - and the round chapel, higher up, built by Canadians. As we thanked the lady, I told her she was our "good angel" and when I asked her her name, she replied,"ANGELA"!! Although time was limited, I was very grateful for the opportunity to re-visit this truly Franciscan Shrine, surrounded by colourful flowers and trees.

watch?v=fhvwZdKJ5qE

The church of the Shepherds Field, Bethlehem with the tour guide Zahi Shake

Wed., May 15th....

Exhibition of several nativity scenes

M. Paul took me to the Information Centre hoping to show me their Crib Display but the receptionist said, "Sorry, the Museum is closed today for cleaning"!
They continued speaking and soon after, she was directing me upstairs.They let us in for a short time - long enough to admire the many, colourful cribs sent from all over the world.

From there,we wound our way in and out through very narrow streets and stairs until we came to the local open market.There was an abundance of very healthy looking fruits and vegetables and the prices were very reasonable.

In the afternoon, Maria drove the animator and myself to the bus terminal (a very unusual one!) to catch the bus to Jerusalem. The journey took only 20mins but when we arrived, we sensed unrest! Sure enough, there was some kind of demonstration with throwing of grenades and stones by the youth. The police responded in the usual way and even used the water canon. We were happy to reach home safely as it wasn't far away. The police put up barriers immediately in these situations, so pilgrims are safe.