As part of Star of Wonder: Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Life—a journey through the sacred sites of Christmas and the faithful Christians who keep Christ’s light burning—Cardinal Pizzaballa calls us this Christmas to stand in deep solidarity with the Christians of Bethlehem: to pray for them, to carry their courage in our hearts, and, whenever possible, to visit the places where faith endures against all odds, witnessing firsthand the living hope and devotion that have illuminated these holy lands for centuries.

“Your presence brings joy and hope," he says, because “Bethlehem without pilgrims is sad."

The local Christians are an example and light for all of us, and the Latin Patriarch says that the Holy Land still needs our presence even while the Church continues its mission through institutions like the Caritas Baby Hospital, the Crèche Orphanage, and the Holy Family Hospital.

Join the journey yourself—sign up for the Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Life and experience the story of Christmas like never before.