Saint Joseph's Church

On the sloping road from Bethlehem toward the Shepherds' Field, east of the Milk Grotto, stands the Church of Saint Joseph—a structure distinguished by a small, modest bell tower. Early Christians believed that the Holy Family rested at this site while on their journey to Egypt. In 1873, the Franciscan Fathers acquired the land, and in 1908, they erected a small church atop the remains of an ancient Byzantine structure. More recently, a convent for Dominican nuns was added to the site. A special celebration in honor of Saint Joseph is held there every year on March 19th.

(History and Heritage of Bethlehem – Nasri Hazboun; A Tour Through the History of the Holy Land – Hanna Jaqman; and the writings of Toma Bannoura)