In this third week of our Star of Wonder: Advent Virtual Pilgrimage of Life, we journey to the Grotto of the Nativity and the nearby Caves of St. Jerome, where he translated the Bible into Latin — the Vulgate. With the help of St. Paula and St. Eustochium, Jerome worked “as close as possible to where the Word was made flesh,” giving the Church access to Scripture for all people and times.

Our Advent symbol this week is the Bible, reminding us that Jesus is the Word made flesh — the living light shining in the darkness. As we reflect on John 1:1–14, we are invited to deepen our relationship with Christ through Scripture and prayer.

We then visit Bethlehem University, founded by Pope Paul VI, a place of peace where Christians and Muslims study together. As an “oasis of hope,” the university educates young people to build a future of coexistence in the Holy Land.

This is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Joy — the joy of the Word dwelling among us.