Saint Catherine’s Church is a Franciscan monastery located within the compound of the Church of the Nativity. It is said to be built on the site of Christ’s appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria and his prediction of her martyrdom at the beginning of the 4th century. The present Monastery, rebuilt in 1882 with the financial help of the Emperor of Austria, incorporates the remains of the 5th century sanctuary of St. Jerome and parts of the 12th century Crusader Church. In 1948, the church was restored again by the famous architect Antonio Barluzzi. In 2000, a colorful stained glass window depicting a scene of the Nativity was installed above the main altar. In the summer of 2013, the Church became more spacious after its main altar was relocated. Thanks to this change, more believers can attend the Christmas Eve Mass on the night of the 24th of December, which is broadcast around the world every year. Bethlehem December 6, 2007

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