Paul Calvert spoke the International Nativity Museum in Bethlehem

Paul: Is this something very special for Bethlehem?

Father Yesudas: Bethlehem of course is the House of bread. Bethlehem in Hebrew means House of bread. In Arabic Bethlehem means house of meat, but it derives from Hebrew. That's why the house of bread is Jesus. The bread is Jesus himself. He was born and gave himself to the people as living bread, that those who eat this bread live long and have eternal life in paradise with Jesus.

Paul: The museum is located near Star Street. What is the tradition about Start Street?

Father Yesudas: The very famous traditional incident was when three Magi passed through the street here. The street was named by their name. The star was guiding them while they were passing through. You understand it's a hill station and all Bethlehem is filled with valleys and hills.

Paul: Is there a message that you want people to take away with them after visiting the museum?

Father Yesudas: Normally when people finish, at the end there is a note to be written to chart down what they have seen and what is their impression. They give us an impression, not that we give. Each one his own writings and one memory they leave to us saying, "The hidden treasure is here in Bethlehem. It should be known to other people, especially pilgrims. It should be known to the whole world so that they may enjoy and benefit by seeing this museum". I have read some of the comments they write before they exit the museum and one said, "It is a treasure of which I take in my heart so that I can carry this museum in my heart forever and with thinking I can reflect".

Paul: Is it Christmas here for you every day working with all these nativities?

Father Yesudas: I have been here for more than five years. When I come down from my room to the underground museum it is nativity for me. The event of nativity is repeated in my life every day. I never get bored visiting this museum. Every day I get a new idea, when I see one crib to another crib it is completely different; it gives some sort of new ideas and new experience. Visiting this museum is unique and a most enriching experience.

Paul: Is Christmas a very special time in Bethlehem?

Father Yesudas: Of course, because the King of Kings is born here in a hidden city and it was revealed to the whole world. All over, the world is coming to this point that is Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This small point has reached all over the world bringing the message called peace to the whole world. When people come they are really very happy and they go in peace after visiting Jesus because he is the King of peace.

Paul: How do you celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem?

Father Yesudas: I celebrate Christmas here in Bethlehem. I try my best to visit the Nativity Church on the day of Christmas since it is full of people from all over the world. I am very happy to accompany them explaining about the Church of Bethlehem, the Nativity Church and those who have no possibility to celebrate mass on the same day, on the 24th we offer our Salesian Church here to celebrate, so that we may share in their joy of celebrating Christmas here in Bethlehem.

Paul: Which is your favourite nativity out of all the nativities that you have here?

Father Yesudas: I cannot say exactly because each one is unique. I liked one with three pieces of stones carved in square, another one in cube and another one in a circle. With these three they have represented the Holy family, the museum of Nativity. It is very modern, three small pieces. It is essential to have Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is complete. That inspired me a lot.

Paul: What is your prayer for the people of Bethlehem at this Christmas time?

Father Yesudas: I pray to God that those who visit Bethlehem and our museum, that God, the King of peace would give them peace in their hearts, so that when they return to their homes and they carry a good experience and peace in their hearts, all the worries are left here by adoring the baby Jesus and when they go back those who are having no children will have children, those who have worries will have peace and those who are in despair will have hope. Amen.