What a great day, all day, in Bethlehem! The Church of Nativity, buying olive wood carvings, supporting the local Christians, visiting a Catholic school, Mass in Shepherds Field (Fr.Richard’s homily), authentic food from Bethlehem, and dinner and dancing. Enjoy the day as you join us!
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I went on pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land in Oct, 2000, the Holy year, with a group from my parish and our priest. At the time hostilities had broken out, so there were only a total of 2,000 pilgrims in all of Israel. We had no lines, no crowds, just us. Bethlehem had no wall, just a checkpoint. The streets were empty. We were the only group eating in a restaurant that could serve hundreds. The cave was still a cave, no manmade facade. We were permitted in only one giftshop. Even though your group had more sightseeing, and more people seem to be able to make a living from tourists, I was sad to see all these manmade changes, and grateful that we had such a singular experience without waits or crowds everywhere we went.
Steve Ray here:
Yes, I was bringing groups during that time and often we were the only ones anywhere in sight. It was nice back in those days but I’m glad so many pilgrims get to come and see the holy sites today. We managed very well and avoid groups quite efficiently and we only go shopping once on a trip also.
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