Walking through the Holy Land transports every pilgrim two thousand years back in time, from visiting the Holy Sepulchre to seeing places as special as the Grotto of the Nativity, the site in Palestine that Christian tradition maintains as the birthplace of Jesus. Behind this small door, which sees millions of pilgrims pass through each year, stands a temple of great significance to Christians around the world.This is the place which changed the course of human history and now it will undergo restoration. It will be the first time in 600 years that the temple is restored and it will be carried out by a specialized Italian company, according to announcements by the ecclesiastical authorities of the basilica.
The purpose of these renovations is to preserve a sanctuary of immense value to Christianity. On top of that, the project is expected to have a separate positive effect, as it will generate employment and economic support in Bethlehem, a city severely affected by the crisis and the decline in pilgrimages due to wars.
A little-known fact about the Grotto of the Nativity is that it is governed by the so-called “Status Quo,” an ancient agreement that regulates coexistence among the different Christian denominations that safeguard the site.Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Catholic communities share the basilica, although each has clearly defined spaces and schedules.In fact, the exact spot where tradition places the birth of Jesus, marked by a fourteen-point silver star, is under the custody of the Greek Orthodox Church.Any intervention, including maintenance work, must have the consent of all the communities, making this restoration a delicate exercise of ecumenical dialogue as well.
BAM
CRT
