Pilgrimage Day 5: Bethlehem, all day!

by Steve Ray on April 27, 2012

We had a good  first night sleep in Jerusalem at Notre Dame Center, owned by the Pope. After a delicious breakfast we boarded the bus and left two minutes early (we enforce timeliness). We headed out to Bethlehem.

On the way we talked about the authenticity of the biblical sites, the dealing with vendors and the history of Bethlehem. Then we went shopping for exquisite olive wood carvings, Russion icons, mother of pearl, and much more.

We had a long line to see the grotto of Jesus’ birth in the Church of the Nativity. In the end we all saw and touched the place Jesus was born. Lots of tears and deep breaths. Then to lunch at the Christmas Tree Restaurant.

Mass at Shepherds Field where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Dinner in Bethlehem where we ate the Passover Lamb and danced to Arabic music. It was a wonderful and very full day.

To listen to my interview with Teresa Tomeo on EWTN and Ave Maria Radio summarizing the day, click here (http://www.facebook.com/MrsTeresaTomeo/posts/219922008121416)