1.   A Franciscan monk, Father Joseph, swept the floor of the birth grotto.

2.   Many lit candles near the birth grotto.

3.   The church was built over the traditional birth grotto of Jesus.

4.   The small birth grotto, a few steps below the basilica, was in pristine condition.

5.   The small birth grotto, which is a few steps below the basilica, was in pristine condition.