Nov. 22, 2023 /Human Interest/ — Bethlehem is significant to Christians because it is the birthplace of Jesus, whom Christians believe is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is seen as the fulfillment of a prophecy in the Old Testament book of Micah, which states that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Continue reading
Nov. 22, 2023— Human Interest/ — The Christmas season is about peace for Christians who believe Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Israel. Continue reading
Even though we are in the midst of war, we can still find hope and peace in Jesus’ birth. He is a reminder that God loves us all and that he wants us to live in peace with one another. Continue reading
Karen Hanrahan, University of Brighton
Any thoughts of escaping to a more natural life was regarded as being sinful. The idea of being unfaithful to your vocation was a step on the way to hell. It would be a mortal sin.
These are the words of Mary, my mother. She was just 15 when she entered a convent in Ireland in 1950 and 34 by the time she finally managed to leave. She had been expressing doubts to her superiors since her early twenties but years of “brainwashing” and the very real fear of her and her family facing eternal damnation made breaking her vows seem impossible.