At the Feet of the Master

Fr. Baima preaching in St. Helen's Chapel

     It was a beautiful day in the Holy Land.  The rain appears as thought it is gone for the near future after a couple of soakers started our time here.  The weather is warming up.  After Morning Prayer and breakfast we went to Nativity Square.  We celebrated Mass at the St. Helen Chapel in the Church of the Nativity.  Fr. Baima was the principal celebrant and homilist.  He spoke about what it means to be a disciple that sits at the feet of the master in every part of life.  The St. Helen Chapel is small and quaint compared to the grandeur of the Basilica.

A side altar in the monastery of St. Jerome,
beneath the Church of the Nativity

     Afterward, Fr. Fuller showed us around the Basilica, pointing out some of the historical items.  The Basilica is under major renovation, so there was scaffolding everywhere.  However the artistry and beauty of the place really shined through.  We were then free to travel around, visit various places and shops. Today the Armenian Church celebrated Christmas.  There was a small parade around the Nativity Square.  Many guys are still catching up on sleep and reading.  Body clocks are still adjusting. The afternoon was quiet, a chance to settle into our weeks in the Holy Land.