In Bethlehem, celebrations of the cultural year "Greccio 2023" open for the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene, "created" by St. Francis in 1223.

During the exchange of Christmas greetings, the common commitment of the Churches of the Holy Land to defend the Christian presence in this land was reaffirmed.

On December 26, in Jerusalem, the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land celebrated Vespers in honor of St. Stephen, the first deacon and martyr.

About 1,500 Indians-immigrants and asylum seekers-came to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus as Christmas Day dawned.

Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. Masses at the Grotto of the Nativity, at St. Catherine's and at the Shepherds' Field.

The ringing of the bells of the Basilica of the Nativity, scouts and the entire town of Bethlehem welcomed the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, H.B. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on the day of his solemn entrance on Christmas Eve.

For the first time, the Custody of the Holy Land has organized an exhibition of nativity scenes in the St. Savior's premises to bring the message of Christmas to those near and far.

It is a "new" Christmas in Gaza. As every year, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrated Christmas with the small local Christian community during his visit. In the midst of life's difficulties, he found signs of hope, peace and love.

The Christmas 2022 message of the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Francesco Patton.

A Christmas party for the young guests of the Franciscans' facility, who experience difficult social and family situations.

Christmas celebrations of Eastern Churches begin. Prayers for peace and an end to the pandemic rise from Bethlehem.

Epiphany marks the end of Christmas celebrations for Catholics in the Holy Land. In Bethlehem, the entrance of the Custos of the Holy Land, the Mass and the popular procession with the Child Jesus and the gifts.

Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem: on the morning of December 24, the solemn entrance of Patriarch Pizzaballa with the welcoming of the faithful in the square and in the streets. In the evening the Eucharistic celebration and the procession to the cave of the Nativity.

The weekend before Christmas, the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, H.B. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, made a pastoral visit to Gaza. In the meeting with families and associations he touched with his own hands a difficult reality but also a great faith: "This gives me strength also in my service".

"Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt." (Mt 2:14) Br. Francesco Patton, ofm - Custos of the Holy Land

"Christmas" for the children of the Boys Home in Bethlehem: Holy Mass with Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, and the exchange of gifts.

January 6 is a day of celebration in the city of Bethlehem. The celebrations of Epiphany for Western Rite Christians have concluded, and those of Christmas for Eastern Christians have begun, in the presence of few faithful due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the difficult economic and health conditions in the Gaza Strip, the joy of Christmas filled the hearts of local Christians. The traditional visit of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mgr Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has been postponed.

In the first episode of the "special pilgrimage" with Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, we met the characters who witnessed the birth of Jesus. We were guided by the biblical texts, the historical data and the origin of the secular tradition. In this second episode we will follow the stories of St. Matthew, and the Magi who bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Child Jesus.

DIVINE CHRISTMAS (Author: Lanciano Lima) LYRICS

The entry into Bethlehem of H.B. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, opens the Christmas celebrations. The solemn midnight Mass in the Basilica of St. Catherine - a few steps from the Grotto where Jesus was born - and the celebrations throughout Bethlehem.

We offer you the first episode of a "special pilgrimage" with Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, together with the characters who witnessed the birth of Jesus. The biblical texts, historical data and the origin of the secular tradition will be the guide.

"We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Mt 2:2 Christmas Message 2020 Br. Francesco Patton ofm, Custos of the Holy Land

The city of Bethlehem is experiencing difficult health and economic conditions due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Yet another announcement by the Palestinian government of a total closure of the city to reduce the number of contagions has had a negative impact on the lives of the population, especially during this period of anticipation of Christmas.