PANAJI
A Goan family was given rare access to attend the Christmas services at the Nativity Church in Bethlehem on Wednesday.
The services were even more special since Bethlehem celebrated Christmas after nearly three years because of the war in Gaza.
Speaking to The Goan, Paul Siqueira said he along with his wife, Karen, and their three daughters, Abigail, Ruth and Annelise, had arrived in Bethlehem on December 22.
“On December 24, my family and I went to the Nativity to worship Jesus and to touch the exact spot where Jesus was born and the manger,” said Siqueira, who manages the Zion Tours and Travels agency in Panaji.
“Later in the afternoon, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem entered Bethlehem in a parade led by the scouts, their band and many priests. We were there to witness the parade. There were thousands of people from all walks of life at the Nativity in the afternoon to welcome the Latin Patriarch.”
“The manger square was all lit up with a massive Christmas tree and beautiful lights. There erected a large stage where choirs from all over the world sang Christmas carols. The festive spirit was beautiful in the afternoon, with people dancing and joy all around to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Siqueira said the midnight Mass was by invitation only, and a very few people were invited to attend the Christmas services at the Nativity Church in Bethlehem.
“The church was packed, and people were standing since 9 pm. The midnight Mass was amazing. It was a sung Mass in Latin, Italian, Arabic and the sermon in English. The Vice-President of Palestine was present along with a minister from Jordan who represented King Abdullah,” said Siqueira.
The family will proceed to Cana and Nazareth before returning to Goa on December 29.
Paul Siqueira and his family at the front of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem.
