Today was a relatively normal day. It was a class day. Classes are going well and in general, people raise good questions and we end up with some lively discussions. Sometimes; however, the questions force the professor to repeat what they have just said.
Our afternoon was free. Some used the time to read, study, catch up on e-mail and correspondence, pray, take a siesta, or wander about. In the evening, we had a presentation on Islam. This was a fascinating lecture. It was not just fact- giving, the presenter shared his personal Islamic faith with us.
In one instance, when asked about the relationship between Christians and Islam, his response was rather edifying to us. When Islam was persecuted in Mecca in its early years, a man approached Mohammed and asked what the Muslims should do. Mohammed replied that they should have the faith and strength of the Christians (since Christians had been heavily persecuted under the Romans).
One other interesting point was when he demonstrated how a Muslim is to pray. When he is on his knees, with head and hands touching the ground, or rug, in other words at the lowest he could get, the Muslim acknowledges the greatness of God.
Many were pleased with the presentation and left with a better understanding of Islam.
Today was a rather quiet and peaceful day – after Morning Prayer the community had our class on ecumenism with Fr. Baima. It seems to be that here in Bethlehem we are right in the center of an ecumenical capital so to speak, with constant interaction between other religions. It is a class that I have to admit poses many challenging questions in terms of dialogue, beliefs and in fact basic interaction. In other words, it challenges one on how to remain faithful to our Christian Catholic identity, and, simultaneously, be committed to conversation and dialogue with other religions. This is a challenge for all of us seminarians from Mundelein, knowing that in our future work as priests we are going to have to relate with other religions as part of our pastoral work.
After a morning of classes the afternoon was free and in the evening most of the community came together for a movie while others decided that after the busy week, it was best to get some rest.
Today was once again a rather peaceful day. The community had but a single class in the morning after which Fr. Baima gave us a presentation regarding the Melkite Rite, the rite in which we are to participate in tomorrow for our Sunday Mass. After Mass and the Lunch, the afternoon was free. Some of the community went to choir practice for the Midnight Mass that we are to take part in on Christmas at Bethlehem University, others went into town, and still others simply relaxed. In the evening a couple members of the community went to hear a classical music concert sponsored by St. Catherine’s. Still others, had hoped to attend a rock Christmas concert that was to take place here in Bethlehem, however they were unable to purchase tickets so they simply enjoyed a quiet evening here at Bettharam.
This Sunday we visited the Melkite Catholic Church here in Bethlehem and celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with the parishioners there. Though much different from the Mass we are used to, it was a very beautiful liturgy. We were invited to lead and sing the “Holy, Holy, Holy” in English, but the rest of the liturgy was in Arabic. It was certainly a witness to the diversity that we have within our Church that there can be such a plethora of expressions of the one faith in Jesus Christ.
There is a great deal of anticipation for Christmas. Manger square is lit up and many pilgrims from around the world are flocking to the Church of the Nativity. The lines to get into the Nativity grotto are long. Many people in the area say it is the best Christmas season in years as far as pilgrims and tourists go.
Today was a typical class day. We had class in the morning followed by Mass and lunch. There is sense of comfort and surety in routine and a settled schedule. Most of the afternoon was free and many went into town to shop for the upcoming Christmas party and gift exchange. We had a guest presenter from Bethlehem University come in the late afternoon. He spoke to us about Christian – Muslim relations and dialogue.
Today was a day of prayer for the entire community in preparation for Christmas. It was an opportune time to reflect upon the mystery we are about to celebrate in the land and town of its occurrence. The community came together at various times for scheduled prayer meanwhile observing silence throughout the day. We came together for Mass at midday after which we had lunch, again observing a respectful silence. In the afternoon we had Eucharistic adoration along with a penance service and the celebration of individual confession. We came together again for Benediction followed by dinner. In the evening an “old time classic” movie was shown to the community by Fr. Sullivan. It was prayerful and peaceful day, one that helped us to refocus on the great event we are about to celebrate, the Birth of Christ, here in the place it occurred.
All of Bethlehem seems to have come alive today. Beginning at 5:00 in the morning the street sweepers as well as the police were out in full force cleaning up the streets in preparation for the arrival of the Latin Patriarch. He arrived in mid-afternoon accompanied by a parade/procession of community leaders along with a number of the local bands (bagpipes) who processed with him down to Manger Square, the square directly outside the Church of the Nativity. There he was greeted by members of the Armenian and Orthodox Church who all then went into St. Catherine’s to celebrate Evening Prayer. The day was primarily free so many of us either found our way down to Manger Square or to a choice spot to watch the procession.
In the evening, we came together to celebrate the Office of Readings in which Fr. Baima reminded us that as future parish priests there is a great deal that we can learn from the example of St. Joseph. We then gathered at Bethlehem University for Midnight Mass, which was celebrated by the Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, Archbishop Antonio Franco. Several members of the community assisted by singing in the choir and several others served. It was truly a memorable occasion.
Christmas was a day of repose. After Midnight Mass, many of us decided to visit the grotto of the Nativity. We joined a Polish Mass there and prayed at the manger in which Jesus was laid. Many pilgrims crowded around and we all strained our necks to look upon the coming of our Lord in the Eucharist in the very place where he was born into this world. We gathered the next morning for a casual breakfast and shared our stories and impressions of the night before. The easy morning of rest gave us time to experience some fellowship and doughnuts in a common room.
We had Christmas lunch at La Terrace. We celebrated the coming of our Lord and Savior with an abundant feast that included a chocolate fountain and fresh shrimp – though not together. Again we enjoyed our fellowship and prepared for a night of gift-giving and receiving.
In the evening we all enjoyed a white elephant exchange. The most popular gift was a camel with a rider that played the theme from Beverly Hills Cop while it walked around. Whether we walked away with an animated camel, or a box of chocolates, or slippers, we all left with great joy and wonderful memories of Christmas in Bethlehem.
There were no classes today, but some were up early in the morning to make their way to the Church of the Nativity for Mass. Manger square seems empty now that Christmas day has come and gone. There is a sense of calm and quiet as people return to work and their daily lives. Preparations were made all day for the big Christmas Party this evening with our host, the Pretres du Sacre Couer, the sisters, the Christian Brothers and friends of the seminary.
An entire evening of entertainment and food was planned. As the guests arrived, they were welcomed by the seminarians. We were all mingling and sharing the cheer of the joyous season. The joy was even furthered when the Pizza arrived.
We moved into a larger room for entertainment, which consisted mostly of caroling, musical performances and comic relief. As the entertainment was winding down, we were told that there was dessert and coffee or tea. Most of the group was already full from the large amounts of snacks and pizza. But a slice of wonderful Christmas cake was worth the extra effort.
Today was a free day. Many simply recovered from the past week, the various celebrations, and the changes in schedule. The community came together for Mass in the morning and then lunch in the afternoon. After that we were completely free of any obligations. Dinner was on our own giving the kitchen at our residence a break and allowing many members of the community to experience local restaurants. In the afternoon some of the community found their way into town while others did homework that always seems to be present. Later in the evening they showed a movie for those that were interested. Those that chose to do otherwise either retired early or communicated with home. It was a rather restful day, a welcomed gift to a tired community!
Today was a relatively quiet day. Weather wise it was a beautiful day, about 60-65 degrees and rather sunny. This morning we had Mass at the “Milk Grotto.” Many members of our group are rather familiar with this chapel for it provides an alternative option to the busyness of the Church of the Nativity if one is seeking a quiet place to pray. It was rather significant that we should be able to celebrate Mass there this morning for in the usual cycle, today, besides being the feast of the Holy Family, is also the feast of the Holy Innocents. While the tomb of the Holy Innocents is in the grottos of St. Catherine’s the Milk Grotto might be considered the “next best” on such a feast. Tradition associates two tales with this spot. One has it that it was here that the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph lived for a time between the birth of the Lord and the flight into Egypt. Another is that the Holy Family stopped here while fleeing to Egypt so that the Virgin Mother could nurse the child. In any event the escape was during the slaughter of the Innocents – today’s feast, so it was rather appropriate that we should celebrate the feast in this place.
The rest of the day was free and rather uneventful. In the evening several of us came together for adoration. After dinner then many members of the community used the opportunity to communicate with home – or simply catch up on the “necessities.”
This morning the community went with Sr. Sophie of the Crèche Orphanage to visit the Bedouin community. These communities live a rather rural life relying primarily on nature. It is common that they live in one room “houses” more similar to huts, or in Goatskin tents out in the dessert. They live a very simple life, however it seems to be a very Biblical life. Similar to Abraham these people gather in clan like groups usually based around a supply of water. They raise goats and chickens and it appears that from these livestock, along with whatever they are able to grow, is how they are able to supply for their needs. We stopped by the small school in which there were probably no more than thirty children. Sr. Sophie and the Crèche Orphanage has an outreach to this community so on this particular day we were delivering shoes and blankets, for which their gratitude was limitless.
We were back by midday which began with Mass, lunch, and then class on Ecumenism with Fr. Baima. In the Evening we had a presentation on the life and journeys of St. Paul given by a guest lecturer. Since this is the year of St. Paul the presentation was fitting and greatly enjoyed. After dinner we were free, which for many of us meant homework for classes tomorrow.
Today was a tranquil day. The community had Morning Prayer, followed by classes until 12:15, after which we attended Mass and was followed by Lunch. The afternoon was then free so many took the opportunity to catch up on various things as well as shop for souvenirs for our time in Bethlehem is short. In the evening, several members of the community enjoyed a movie together while others caught up on homework or corresponded with home. It was a peaceful day that was greatly needed and a welcomed gift!
Today was very similar to yesterday. The community came together once again for classes in the morning. The afternoon was free so many went out once again, however the weather did not always cooperate. It rained most of the day and the temperature was rather cool, however, that failed to stop us. At dinner this evening, Fr. Pietro, the rector of the house in which we are staying and the community to whom it belongs, brought several bottles of champagne as well as several cakes for the community to enjoy and salute the New Year. Following this, we came together for an hour of adoration in order to thank God for all the many blessings bestowed on us this past year as well as to ask for blessings on all of our families and loved ones at home. This was followed upon by a social that was enjoyed by all.
Today was a quiet day. Many kept late hours last night for obvious reasons but they were given the opportunity to have some extra time to rest in the morning thus, many started out rather slow. With the exception of Mass at midday the entire day was free so many either went into town for various reasons or in the afternoon we were given the opportunity to watch a video that was leant to the community by one of our guest lecturers. Those that chose otherwise either communicated with home or caught up on some homework. Again in the evening, they showed yet another movie that was watched primarily by those who had missed the one earlier. In any event, it was a quiet and peaceful evening.