Get to Know the Latin Parish of Beit Sahour

Beit Sahour, traditionally known as the Shepherds’ Field, is one of the largest Christian communities in the Palestinian Territories, alongside Bethlehem and Beit Jala. This town carries profound spiritual and historical significance as the place where, according to tradition, angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. The Latin Parish of Beit Sahour, dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, was first established by the Franciscan Friars. The first Latin missionary, Fr. John Moritan, arrived in 1859, and pastoral care was later transferred to the Latin Patriarchate towards the end of the 19th century. The first church was built in 1863, and the Latin School opened a year later in 1864. It remains one of the city’s most prominent educational institutions. A landmark in the parish’s history was the arrival of Saint Marie-Alphonsine to Beit Sahour in 1885. She contributed to founding the first girls’ school and left a deep spiritual impact despite her short time there. Today, the Rosary Sisters continue her mission as they play a vital role in the parish through  providing catechesis, serving the  youth as well as the fraternal groups, and caring for the poor and the sick. To honor Saint Marie-Alphonsine, Fr. Issa Hijazin, current parish priest, established a dedicated shrine and garden in her name, where special celebrations are held. She has also been named the patroness of all parish families. Another shrine has been created in honor of Saint Joseph, patron of youth.

A Flourishing Pastoral Life

The parish thrives with a variety of active groups that contribute richly to its spiritual and social vitality, chaplained by Fr. Issa Hijazin and the parish vicar, Fr. Emanuele Personeni. Among the parish groups are the youth, scouts, the Divine Mercy Apostles, the Legion of Mary, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society . The parish is also home to Christ the King Bookstore, inaugurated in 2011 as the first Christian bookstore in Palestine. The parish council serves as a vital instrument of communion and service, uniting representatives from diverse age groups and vocations to discern, coordinate, and support the pastoral and spiritual life of the parish.

    1. The Parish Council

In 2023, Fr. Issa Hijazin reactivated the parish council by organizing open elections. The result was a 15-member council representing diverse segments of the community, including six women, seven men, and the Rosary Sisters, represented by Sr. Zeina Hourani. The council is divided into specialized committees, such as media, social affairs, and events. It meets regularly to plan parish activities and has successfully implemented several projects, including the creation of a park and playground, installation of 15 heating and cooling units for the school, renovation of the church and convent, and beautification of the cemetery. The council pays special attention to youth through organizing spiritual meetings, employment support, and family conflict resolution.

    2. St. Vincent de Paul Society

Founded in 1947 and reactivated in 2019, the society continues its mission to serve the poor, sick, elderly, and widows. Headed by Mrs. Minerva Qassis Grieseh, it includes around 40 active members. The society provides regular financial and medical assistance to around 70 families, especially during Christmas and Easter, and organizes visits to the elderly and institutions for people with special needs. It also leads initiatives like communal breakfasts, school support, and youth training workshops. The society is funded by generous donations from the Patriarchate and other supporting institutions and has recently established a new office within the convent.

    3. Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary (“Legio Mariae”) was founded in 1958 and officially recognized in 1959. It holds its meetings at the Latin Convent – Church of Our Lady of Fatima. The group is led by Fr. Issa Hijazin, Fr. Emanuele Personeni, and Sr. Alfons Akroush, and includes two units led by Amal Badra and Elin Salsaa, with a total of 34 members. Their activities include visiting the sick, praying the rosary, supporting the elderly, organizing recreational activities, visiting special needs centers, and participating in the Christmas market and other parish events.

    4. Divine Mercy Apostles

Established in 2022 at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, the group is led by Fr. Issa Hijazin and includes 23 members from various parishes. The group focuses on prayer, monthly meetings, spiritual retreats, and visits to institutions like the Home of the Divine Child and the Antonian Society. They organize monthly Eucharistic adoration, collaborate with similar groups in Bethlehem and Beit Jala, and have held ecumenical prayers for peace. They also worked to honor and distribute the image of Divine Mercy within the church community.

    5. Scouts

The Beit Sahour Scout Group was founded in 1962 by local youth. Despite political challenges and repeated disruptions, it resumed activity in 2004. The group consists of eight age-based units ranging from 6 to 22 years old, including Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, and Senior Scouts, with a current membership of 223. It also includes music units such as bagpipes, drums, marching, and percussion. Activities span weekly meetings, camps, trips, volunteer work, environmental and health awareness events, and cultural competitions, making it a key space for youth formation.

    6. The Youth

The parish youth ministry serves various age groups—from children to university students and young professionals—through a 20-member committee.

• The elementary group, with about 70 children, focuses on nurturing faith and fostering a connection with the Church.

• The middle school group, with around 30 members, emphasizes Christian lifestyle formation and basic faith education.

• The high school group, made up of about 20 youth, explores Christian identity and existential questions.

• The university and working youth group, consisting of roughly 15 members, engages in expanding religious and social awareness through talks and expert-led discussions.

The Parish School – Beit Sahour

Established in 1864, the Latin Patriarchate School is one of the oldest in the city. What began as a small institution has now graduated over 500 students across 21 classes. Today, it serves 413 students, including 58 in kindergarten, with a staff of 38, of whom 30 are teachers. The school is committed to providing quality education in collaboration with the parish, Rosary Sisters, and social counselors. It actively hosts curricular and extracurricular activities and has seen major developments, including science labs, smart boards, and a multi-purpose library. Future plans include vocational classrooms, music education, special education, and counseling services.

A Testimony from the Holy Land

Beit Sahour was not only a witness to the Annunciation to the Shepherds—it has also been a land that nurtures faith, service, and community. Today, the city continues to carry Christ’s message through its institutions and the faithful, who strive to embody the love of Christ in their community. In every corner of the parish, one can witness a living faith, the effort of renewal, and a genuine desire to build humanity on the solid foundations of faith and hope.