Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria / St. Jerome's Cave (Bethlehem, Israel)

Overview

The Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, located in Bethlehem, serves as the principal Roman Catholic parish for the city, catering to both local Catholics and visiting pilgrim groups. Established in the 19th century, this church is adjacent to the historic 6th-century Church of the Nativity, which was constructed over the cave traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus. Both churches are physically connected, sharing a common wall. The Church of St. Catherine is internationally recognized as the origin point for the broadcast of the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. Manger Square, together with the Church of St. Catherine and the Church of the Nativity, is situated atop Tel Bethlehem, beneath which lies ancient Bethlehem.

St. Jerome's Cave, is located beneath the Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem and is connected to the Church of the Nativity. In the late 4th century, the scholar St. Jerome resided here for approximately thirty years while translating the Bible into Latin. This translation, known as the Vulgate, significantly increased accessibility to the scriptures across the Western Roman Empire and served as the authoritative text for Western Christianity for more than a millennium.

Bethlehem is additionally notable for being the residence of King David prior to him becoming king of Israel.