Bethlehem: Franciscan Church—Entrance
Bethlehem. The entrance to the Franciscan church which was built in 1871 over the Milk Grotto, south of the Church of the Nativity. It was named after the drop of milk that fell from Mary’s breast, according to tradition, when she was hiding in the cave with the baby Jesus and her husband Joseph. The drop of milk whitened the soft limestone of the cave wall, which nursing mothers scrape off to mix with their food, in the belief that it will improve their milk. The stonework on the entrance arches depicts scenes from the life of the Holy Family.
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