Table of Contents
In an interview the evening before with a few media outlets, including CNA, the custos of the Holy Land emphasized the significance of this passage.
The Meaningful Gesture of Crossing a Wall
“For me, it is the most meaningful gesture, even more so than when everything proceeds smoothly and with the utmost solemnity. It means continuing to affirm that even a wall can be crossed. It is a sign that sooner or later, there will be no more walls, and in a context like the one we are experiencing, marked by conflict and confrontation between the two populations, it takes on an even greater significance,” he said.
Custos of the Holy Land Father Francis Patton walks along Star Street in Bethlehem during his solemn entrance on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, for the beginning of Advent. In front of him is one of the Kawas serving the Custody of the Holy Land. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The custos and the Franciscan friars were welcomed by the scouts at the beginning of Star Street, winding through the heart of Bethlehem — the route traditionally believed to have been taken by the Magi. The custos then walked the short distance to Manger Square, where he was greeted by local authorities — the mayor, the governor, the chief of police, and the military commander.
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton (in the middle), was greeted by local authorities — the mayor, the governor, the chief of police, and the military commander — when he arrived at Manger Square in Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, for the solemn entrance for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Welcoming the Custos at the Basilica of the Nativity
At the entrance of the Basilica of the Nativity, the custos was then welcomed by Greek Orthodox and Armenians representatives. After entering the basilica, he proceeded to the Latin part of the complex, the Church of St. Catherine, where he venerated the relic of the holy cradle of the Child Jesus, donated to the Custody of the Holy Land by Pope Francis in 2019.
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francis Patton, enters St. Catherine’s Latin Church in Bethlehem, Dec. 2, 2023, for the first vespers of Advent. He carries the relic of the Holy Cradle of the Child Jesus, donated to the Custody of the Holy Land by Pope Francis in 2019. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francis Patton, prays in St. Catherine’s Latin Church, within the Basilica of the Nativity complex on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, during his solemn entrance into Bethlehem. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The Beginning of Advent and the New Liturgical Year
The following day, with the celebration of the first vespers of Sunday, Dec. 3, the Advent season and a new liturgical year for the Catholic Church officially began. The custos and the Franciscan friars processed into the Grotto of the Nativity, where they venerated the place where the Son of God was born as a man, now marked by a silver star.
The silver star marking the place where Jesus was born, in the Grotto of the Nativity, inside the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Dec. 2, 2023. Credit: Marinella Bandini
A few steps away is the manger where Jesus was laid immediately after birth. Here, the custos lit the first candle of the Advent wreath.
(Story continues below)
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francis Patton, lights the first candle of the Advent wreath in the Grotto of the Nativity, inside the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, on Dec. 2, 2023, during the first vespers of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Solemn Mass of the First Sunday of Advent
The Church of St. Catherine was filled with local worshippers for the celebration of the solemn Mass of the first Sunday of Advent.
On Sunday morning, Dec. 3, 2023, the Latin church of St. Catherine, in Bethlehem, was filled with local worshippers for the celebration of the solemn Mass of the first Sunday of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
“Thank you for being the Christian presence in Bethlehem,” Patton said at the beginning of the Mass, greeting those in attendance. “We hope to see pilgrims again soon, but you are the Church of Bethlehem, the living stones.”
Two baby girls made their entrance into the Church for the first time, approximately 40 days after their birth — a tradition still observed in this land. One of them was welcomed by the custos during the offertory.
In this article, we explore the events surrounding the beginning of Advent in Bethlehem in 2023. The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francis Patton, emphasized the significance of crossing a wall as a meaningful gesture, symbolizing the hope for a future without walls. The custos and the Franciscan friars were welcomed by local authorities and religious representatives at various locations, including the Basilica of the Nativity. The custos venerated the relic of the holy cradle of the Child Jesus in the Church of St. Catherine, marking the start of the Advent season and the new liturgical year. The custos also lit the first candle of the Advent wreath in the Grotto of the Nativity. The article concludes with the celebration of the solemn Mass of the first Sunday of Advent, where the custos expressed gratitude to the local worshippers for being the Christian presence in Bethlehem.