Washington D.C., Nov 29, 2012 / 04:19 am
Supporters of Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem will launch an internet Advent calendar to help the world learn more about the patients and staff at the maternity hospital located only 500 yards from what is traditionally considered the birthplace of Jesus.
"So many families have come to know Holy Family Hospital as the birthplace of hope because they know that no one ever arrives at its doors to hear, 'there is no room,'" Colleen Marrotta, executive director of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation, said Nov. 28.
"We hope visitors will use the calendar as they prepare for Christmas. In the process, they will learn about the important work of the hospital," she said. "Doctors and staff save the lives of thousands of mothers and babies annually. And they provide the highest-quality medical care without regard to race, religion or ability to pay."
The U.S.-based foundation's website will launch the Advent calendar Dec. 2 and unlock new content daily through Christmas. It will offer videos that introduce internet visitors to the hospital, its staff, its patients and its mobile medical outreach. The calendar will also feature reflections from Catholic priests, vowed religious, writers and bloggers.