It is 6:10 a.m. in Bethlehem. yesterday I had learned that there was a Mass in the Grotto at 4:55 this morning, and I could concelebrate. I asked whether our people could join as well -- yes, if not too many. Eleven of the pilgrims were ready to go at 4:30. We walked to the Church of the Nativity, confirmed that we were welcome. The eleven others were able to enjoy 10 minutes with just a handful of Italian pilgrims in the cave itself before Mass began. Mass was in Italian, using the readings for the day, December 30th. We had just a few minutes afterward before they had to set up the for the next service, a Greek Orthodox eucharistic liturgy.
It was a powerful experience for everyone to share the space held in quiet, with a few visitors, by Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the place where they were family for the first hours, in the space where Jesus breathed his first air, in this place where the Word made flesh was born, where the bread and wine became the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
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Adam Painter here checking up on you all. I hope you, my mother, and everyone else are having an impactful experience. My prayers are with you all!
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Adam
Thanks Adam! Will do. We have Lorraine Painter in charge of security for us. For those who don't know here she has a fifth or sixth degree black belt.
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