Under the patronage of Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan His Excellency Bishop Iyad Twal, the friends and alumni of Bethlehem University held a reception welcoming a visiting delegation led by Bethlehem University Vice Chancellor Brother Herman Santos on Saturday May 3, 2025. It is worthy to note that Bishop Twal served at Bethlehem University in the past years as dean of the department of religious studies and vice president.

Bethlehem University is a story of success and a nonpareil achievement by the Catholic Church. This university was established in 1973 to serve as a beacon of progress and enlightenment as it lit the dark and bleak nights of Bethlehem and neighboring areas through promoting higher education.

Going back in history, it is important to remember that Bethlehem University came into being in 1973 following the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to the Holy Land in 1964. The Pope’s visit had been a great boost to the local people as it stimulated religious fervor and Christian pride. The visit set the ground for the establishment of Bethlehem University which originated with the desire of Pope Paul VI to do something to help the local community. This university, which has been serving the local community, has over 400 faculty members of staff, a total of over 20,000 alumni, and a current enrollment of over 3,500 students.

This Catholic Church has enriched the Holy Land with the introduction of university education to students from Bethlehem and the neighboring region through the establishment of Bethlehem University 53 years ago. This university has served to help the local population pursue higher education in a plethora of majors with the aim of serving the local society, creating job opportunities, and ensuring the Christians a bright future with a hope that this would curtail or stem Christian emigration.

Over the years, Bethlehem University maintained academic cooperation with leading universities in the world which enabled its graduates to pursue higher studies abroad and acquire leading positions in society. Its graduates have been serving humanity in the various parts of the world with records of successful achievements.

Bethlehem University has served as an asset for Bethlehem and the local community as the services it provides helps in the advancement of local communities. It emphasizes excellence in academic programs and fosters shared values, moral principles, and dedication to serving the common good.

Over the years, Bethlehem University maintained academic cooperation with leading universities in the world which enabled its graduates to pursue higher studies abroad and acquire leading positions in society. Its graduates have been serving humanity in the various parts of the world with records of successful achievements. While serving Bethlehem and the local community as the services it provides helps in the advancement of local communities, it emphasizes excellence in academic programs and fosters shared values, moral principles, and dedication to serving the common good.

Bethlehem University is worthy all support for the role it plays, particularly at the current critical time, augurs a bright future for the local population and the Middle East at large.