Holy Family Church In Palestine is a Roman Catholic Church located in the city of Bethlehem, Palestine. It is the oldest Franciscan church in the Holy Land, and is dedicated to the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The church was built in 1885 by the Franciscan Fathers at the behest of Pope Leo XIII, who blessed the cornerstone with his own hand. The facade of the church is modernized and portrays scenes in the life of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary in colorful stained glass windows. The interior of the church still holds its original Roman structure, and the main altar is a replica of the traditional manger scene in Bethlehem. Holy Family Church In Palestine History The tradition of the Holy Family Church dates back to the 16th century when Pope Pius V granted permission for a church to be built in Bethlehem in honor of the Holy Family. The exact location for the church was determined by Pope Sixtus V, who chose the spot where tradition holds that the Holy Family stayed in Bethlehem during their flight from King Herod. Construction of the present building started in 1883, and after extensive remodeling, the building that stands today was completed in 1885. The original structure of the building still remains unchanged in its essential features and displays an attractive neo-Romanesque style. The original structure was enhanced and improved upon by master builders who added numerous elements to give the building its unique character. Holy Family Church In Palestine Facts • Holy Family Church in Palestine was built in 1885 by the Franciscan Fathers at the request of Pope Leo XIII. • Holy Family Church is the oldest Franciscan Church in the Holy Land. • The facade of the church was designed to portray scenes from the life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and it is decorated with colorful stained glass windows. • The interior of the church still holds its original Roman structure and the main altar is a replica of the traditional manger scene in Bethlehem. • Beside the church is a historical well, believed to be the same one which provided water for the holy family during their stay in Bethlehem. • Pope Francis visited Holy Family Church in May 2014. Holy Family Church In Palestine Services Holy Family Church offers a variety of services, including regular Masses and Liturgies, as well as Holy Days and Special Masses. The Church also provides Baptism, Confession and Anointing of the Sick, as well as a variety of other services. The Church also houses a small bookstore and organizes regular religious conferences.