Christmas
A son has been given to us: on Christmas night in Bethlehem
December 24, 2024
Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Eucharist at midnight and calls Christians to courage and faith. In the folds of our lives, God breaks through.
The 800th anniversary of the Greccio nativity scene
December 28, 2022
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.
One body, one spirit, one voice
December 28, 2022
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.
At the site of the martyrdom of St. Stephen
December 27, 2022
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.
Indian community celebrates Christmas in Bethlehem
December 27, 2022
About 1,500 Indians-immigrants and asylum seekers-came to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus as Christmas Day dawned.
Jesus is born again in the night of Bethlehem
December 25, 2022
Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. Masses at the Grotto of the Nativity, at St. Catherine's and at the Shepherds' Field.
Bethlehem welcomes the Patriarch on Christmas Eve
December 24, 2022
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.
Nativity scenes on display in Jerusalem
December 20, 2022
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's a "new" Christmas in Gaza
December 20, 2022
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.
Here the Son of God became incarnate in the night of the world.
December 20, 2022
The Christmas 2022 message of the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Francesco Patton.
Christmas at the Bethlehem Franciscan Boys Home
December 20, 2022
A Christmas party for the young guests of the Franciscans' facility, who experience difficult social and family situations.
Orthodox Christmas, from Bethlehem the prayer for the end of the pandemic
January 06, 2022
Christmas celebrations of Eastern Churches begin. Prayers for peace and an end to the pandemic rise from Bethlehem.
Epiphany, God's journey towards mankind
January 06, 2022
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 in Bethlehem: "The good is already in our midst"
December 24, 2021
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.
Patriarch Pizzaballa's visit to Gaza: "Their faith gives me strength"
December 21, 2021
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".
Christmas Message 2021 - Br. Francesco Patton, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
December 20, 2021
"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
Franciscan Boys Home. Waiting for Christmas
December 20, 2021
"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.
Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate Christmas
January 07, 2021
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.
Christmas in Gaza between joy and closures
December 29, 2020
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.
Special Nativity - Second episode
December 28, 2020
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.
The people who walked in darkness saw a great light...
December 24, 2020
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.
After giving birth to Jesus, she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in the Manger
December 22, 2020
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." Christmas Message 2020 Br. Francesco Patton ofm, Custos of the Holy Land
December 22, 2020
"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