Bethlehem grotto lights ORF Peace Light for 40th anniversary

The ORF Peace Light was lit again at the birthplace of Jesus for its 40th anniversary, despite extensive renovation work, ORF reported. The flame will travel to Austria and then to more than 30 countries.

Thirteen-year-old Costa Habash, who comes from a Christian family in Bethlehem, lit the lantern alongside a Greek Orthodox cleric. He said he was “super happy” and that taking part meant a lot to him and to the people who would see the light.

The grotto where Jesus is traditionally said to have been born is undergoing extensive renovations, the first in more than 500 years. It is currently scaffolded and officially closed, but was opened briefly for the ceremony. The light was lit there for the first time in 1986.

At a small ceremony, Franz-Xaver Brandmayr, the new rector of the Austrian Pilgrims’ Hospice in Jerusalem, blessed the flame. A small delegation from ORF Upper Austria took the light to bring it to Austria.

ORF Upper Austria director Klaus Obereder said the tradition was a symbol of hope and solidarity amid conflicts and crises. In Austria, this year’s Peace Light child, Mila Götzinger from Perg, will receive the lantern and help pass it on through partner organisations.

The light is shared at Christmas in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America and South America. People in Bethlehem consider its arrival especially significant this year, as ongoing political difficulties have sharply reduced tourism in the Holy Land.