In the hills of Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem, lies the Shepherds' Field, a site where tradition tells us angels announced the birth of Christ to humble shepherds. Today, as Franciscan custodians of this sacred place, we are blessed to witness the ongoing renewal process aimed at welcoming pilgrims with spaces designed for prayer and reflection.

This effort is not merely a physical restoration; it is, in truth, an act of love and faith. Our goal is to enrich every visitor's experience, helping them enter the atmosphere of that holy night. Although the works are still in progress, the Shepherds' Field remains a place where people can draw closer to the mystery of the Incarnation and experience the Gospel's message of peace and joy in a simple yet profound way. We are working to make this encounter with God's love possible through each chapel, cave, path, and corner we are restoring or developing.

This restoration project aims not only to preserve the past but also to create a space that fosters a deeper spiritual connection. The chapels currently under development will provide areas where pilgrims can gather for prayer, meditation, or moments of solitude amidst the tranquility of the site. We hope that once these spaces are fully renovated, every visitor will feel the Gospel take root in their hearts, bringing them a lasting sense of peace. The Shepherds' Field is also a cherished place for our local Christian community, which has kept devotion to this sacred site alive for generations. Their faith and dedication are a living testament to the Gospel proclaimed centuries ago. This ongoing renewal is also an act of support and respect for them, as we open the doors of this holy place to the world, allowing everyone to share in its spiritual heritage.

Recently, the Shepherds’ Field served as the setting for Magdala’s Advent program, a project filmed here to capture the site’s beauty and spiritual significance. While the areas under development are not yet ready, the program showcased the essence of the place and shared it with those who cannot be physically present in the Holy Land. For many, this program is an opportunity to experience from afar the mystery and wonder of this site, and to feel the anticipation the shepherds themselves experienced more than two thousand years ago.  

As the restoration progresses, we continue to welcome pilgrims seeking a connection with the mystery of the Nativity. Our prayer, and that of the entire Franciscan community, is that this space, once fully completed, will become a sanctuary where visitors can encounter the peace and joy of the Gospel in the land where our Savior was born.

The Shepherds’ Field remains a refuge of faith and an invitation to hear once again the message revealed by the angels. Though the renewal is still underway, it already offers an environment of humility and eternal wonder where the profound love of God can be experienced. We invite every visitor to let themselves be embraced by the serenity and joy of this holy land, carrying back with them the message of hope and love they encounter here.

United in prayer for peace in these challenging times, with the hope of the Birth of the Christ Child in our hearts each day.

‍