Nativity and the University

Greek Orthodox Chapel in the Church of the Nativity

We had mass today in St Catherine's church which is a modern church attached to the Church of the Nativity   We went into the Nativity Church but the queues went right round the church, about 8 people deep to get into the grotto of the Birth of Jesus, so unfortunately we did not get to see it.

Mosaic under the floor

When I looked at the schedule for today I saw the visit to the University for 90mins and wondered whether to go.  Was I surprised!  It is run by the De La Salle brothers and has a very caring ethos.  Though it is a Catholic University, 70 % of the students are Moslem and 70% are girls.  They do not have accommodation at the University but some students stay in houses near by.

The tour started in this beautiful chapel where we were introduced to the Vice Chancellor and the Publicity officer, both of whom were Brothers.  We were told about a girl who had been able to come to the university, against all the odds, from Gaza.  She knew she would not be able to see her family for a long time.  Towards the end of her final year she did have the opportunity to go home.  Sadly when she tried to return the soldiers stopped her and for a few hours took her into custody.  Then they hand-cuffed her and deported her back to Gaza.  The University have been pleading her case, as has an Israeli organisation which  is against the persecution of the Palestinians, but to no avail, her appeal was rejected.  The Vice Chancellor said that they could have just awarded her the degree as it was only a few weeks before the end of her course, but were worried that the circumstances would be found out later in her career and that it would cause her problems.  They arranged for teachers in Gaza to complete the course and examinations with her and they were delighted to be able to have a ceremony in Gaza especially for her to award her her degree.

We watched a film (I have purchased a copy) publicising the University which was excellent.  One of the boys interviewed was worried because all of his books were destroyed because his house had been destroyed.  He needed the books to finish his course and he had nowhere to live but was hopeful.  Afterwards we had a few students who answered our questions.  One girl lived in Jerusalem so had to come through t "The Wall" every day in both directions.  Sometimes it could take her hours to get through but she said "but I always make it eventually"!

Later we went to the Milk Grotto.  It is thought that Mary, Joseph and the baby got out of the grotto with all the animals to this grotto, as it would be safer.  At this grotto small bags of the white surface of the walls is given to women who are having problems conceiving - it is alleged that there have been hundreds of babies born after their moths drank this powder in liquid.