We started today visiting the Dheisheh Camp to see their work. Canon John Aves lived, worked and died here when he was on sabbatical, 13 years ago. The John Aves Educational Project set up in his memory, of which Bishop Graham is Patron, continues to have a strong association with the camp, funding students to attend university.

Next to Bethlehem University, visiting the campus and talking to the students. The Chapel of the Divine Child was impressive, as was the enthusiasm, dedication and intelligence of the students, talking openly about the issues of life in Palestine.

Next we went to the Shepherds’ Fields where we said mass. A lovely and peaceful spot with remains of shepherds’ caves and buildings, overlooking an Israeli settlement in Palestine.

Finally had a guided tour round the Church of the Nativity, including the expanded part given to the Roman Catholics dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. Five denominations maintain the church, which is cruciform both horizontally and vertically: Greek, Syrian, Armenian, Coptic Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholics. Under the church of St Catharine is the place where St Jerome (Hieronymous), translator of the vulgate bible, lived, worked and was buried, although his remains are now in St Mary Major, Rome.  We went down to the exact place where Jesus was born as well saw the manger into which Mary placed him.