” “To celebrate the 660th anniversary of the presence of the Franciscan Friars at the Grotto of the Nativity, it was decided that the sanctuaries of the Custody in Bethlehem should be open all day. The news was announced by the Custody of the Holy Land, saying that, "from the first Sunday of Advent, the Church of Saint Catherine and the grottos of Saint Jerome, the Grotto of Latte and the Sanctuary of the Field of the Shepherds will not close for lunch, so they can be visited ever day from 8 am to 5 pm (in winter) and from 8 am to 6 pm (in summer)". This decision makes up, at least partly, for the decisions taken about Nazareth where the Grotto of the Annunciation will be closed for "due" restorations and the sanctuary of Moses on Mount Nebo, in Jordan, where the extent of pilgrimages needs to be temporarily limited. "One of the priorities of the friars of the Custody reads a note is taking care of the pilgrims. The decision not to close the sanctuaries for lunch is a sign of such demanding service. A rising number of pilgrims from all over the world was recorded over the last few months. The safety wall, with the Israeli checkpoint, often holds up the groups on their way to Bethlehem. The decision to keep the sanctuaries open all day was also taken to alleviate the inconveniences caused by the political situation in the native town of the Saviour".” “
