DECEMBER 2017 - Pro Terra Sancta
At Christmas the nativity scene is set up and reproduced in the cribs, all over the world. The Grotto of the Baby Jesus represents the heart of this sacred and popular representation. In our days there are still people living in Bethlehem, that every year rush towards the manger as it happened more than 2.000 years ago. We went to meet these people, to follow the star that leads us to the place where Jesus was born.
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| Nativity Square, Bethlehem |
In the beginning we meet Bishàra, the keeper of the Latin Church of St. Catherine adjacent to the Basilica of the Nativity. “Christmas is a wonderful time”, he says smiling, and showing the red cross of the Holy Land on his chest. “The important thing for our family and for everyone is that Jesus was born for each of us. For this reason, we are not afraid. I thank God and the Franciscans for whom I work, because my family is healthy. Let us leave the problems to God who knows everyone’s heart”.
Just outside the Basilica, in the large square of the Nativity in front of the beautiful Christmas tree and the crib, there is Rony, one of the many sellers of cribs in Bethlehem, made of wood and mother of pearl. “Do not be afraid, and pray for the Holy Land, especially now that it is Christmas!” He says proudly. His father is there next to him. “Who knows how this Christmas will be”, says his father with a tired look due to the actual political situation of his land. But Rony looks at him smiling and says: “Daddy you know, the last political upheavals make us even stronger and more faithful. We are very happy to live here. It is not just a family tradition that we must continue, our mission is to stay here. We always hope for peace and we want peace for the Holy Land”. (more)
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