Pentecost photos at Mount Sion Jerusalem

Latest news sent about Bethlehem, http://www.obethlehem.com/  

Hi, Jo,  

Model of Latroun in Mine Israel, Theme Park
In the distance, between monk groups, is view of the actual Latroun Abbey

                                 

Thanks for the photos. 

I'll add captions; lovely views.

Correct the pictures if not accurate.

Donald.

domdonald.org.uk 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo Mc...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Friday, 24 May 2013, 6:37
Subject: photos

Dear Don, Here are some photos of Pentecost Sunday.  Hope they come.  I'm just off to Latroun. love, jo  fmm   Dormition crypt, sculpture of Mary's deathbed, made of ivory and cherry wood Mt. Sion The Cenacle Statue of (St.) King David on Mount Zion, Jerusalem. Monastery of St. Francis Ad Coenaculum The Dormition Church - The Virgin and Child Mosaic.

P E N T E C O S T S U N D A Y - 19 May 2013 - Sr. Jo's Sabbatical

Apple blossoms

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ....
Sent: Thursday, 23 May 2013, 14:05
Subject: Pentecost Sunday

Dear Sisters and Brothers,                                   P E N T E C O S T    S U N D A Y   -  19 May  2013  One of the Srs. and I set off for Mount Sion, destination the CHURCH of the DORMITION for the Solemn High Mass at 10am. The upper church was filled to capacity when the Patriarch and about thirty priests processed in to the sound of joyful music.All the main parts were sung in Latin and some of the hymns in Arabic. After the homily, the Patriarch confirmed six teenagers, boys and girls. What a privilege and joy for those young people, (and their families) to be confirmed on Mt.Sion where the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and Mary! They participated in the readings and intercessary prayers. It was a beautiful, prayerful Liturgy from beginning to end.  The clergy were solemnly processing out when suddenly showers of pink petals descended from the high dome above them causing the seriousness to be transformed into surprised smiles! The spirit of joy took over as the church became alive with talk and laughter while children, and even adults, scrambled to  collect the pink petals. The joyful atmosphere continued outside in the courtyard where refreshments were served to all.My companion hadn't seen the crypt so I brought her down to show her Our Lady "in dormition" and all the other striking mosaics. The afternoon saw us back on Mt.Sion but,this time, in the  C E N A C L E  for Solemn Vespers led by the O.F.M. Custos and a large number of his Brothers. A few "early birds" had found ledges to sit on but for the rest, it was standing room only. I found a good breathing space half behind the exit door and with a wall at my back! The Franciscans processed in, weaving through the crowds to the centre. We had booklets and all was chanted in Latin so everyone joined in and the volume was powerful. Holding a lighted candle and the booklet and turning the pages took quite a bit of juggling as well as avoiding the pilgrims who kept squeezing past from the entrance door to the exit!  Before the Reading, the main celebrants processed up to the little room which commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit for some incensing and prayer before processing back down again. The whole ceremony was very prayerful, in spite of the many distractions. As the O.F.M's processed out, I felt that the Lord was surely pleased with our enthusiastic prayer and song in praise and thanksgiving for the fulfilment of His Life-giving promise: "I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper, Who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit Who reveals the truth about God. When that day comes, you will know that I am in My Father, and that you are in Me and I am in you."    Jn. 14:16,20 Praise be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia! The love of the Trinity be with each one, Jo.  fmm

 + + + + + + + + + + +

Cenacle, Mount Zion, Jerusalem - all you have to see in the - YouTube

► 3:50► 3:50

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFSPMNUBBcA‎

Jul 26, 2012 - Uploaded by Zahi Shaked

Cenacle, Mount Zion, Jerusalem - all you have to see in the ...City of David," an area of Jerusalem ...

Pentecost Celebrations - news from Sr. Jo

The Dormition Church - The Virgin and Child Mosaic.

"...what first caught my attention was one of the most beautiful mosaics I have seen, high up in the apse. It was of the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus who was holding the inscription, " I am the light of the world" (below). 

[ In the semicircular apse, above the altar, shining mosaics represent Mary with the child Jesus. 

The words "I am the Light of the World" are inscribed on the open book that Jesus is holding. 

Just beneath is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah: 

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14)]

Dear Sr. Jo, 

Thank you.

Your Holy Land Journal is graphic in words

I see that you are unencumbered with camera.

Later,  it may be useful for non-travelers to have illustrations, from the NET.

Yours... Donald

PS. First I will like to find a picture of  the CHURCH ad CAENACULUM (below).

----- Forwarded Message -----From:  Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Wednesday, 22 May 2013, 9:32
Subject: May 17th

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Friday May 17th...  My "good angel", Emmanuella, leaves our convent at 5.30am, every Friday, to attend Mass at the CHAPEL of CALVARY  in the HOLY SEPULCHRE. I decided to join her. No priest turned up at 6am but at 6.30 a pilgrim group arrived, along with 2 priests! We had a very prayerful Eucharist, even though it was all in Polish! I felt privileged to participate in this Eucharist in the place where Jesus gave up His life for all of us. The PENTECOST CELEBRATIONS will take place in the CHURCH OF DORMITION and in the CENACLE and, as I haven't been to either of them, I decided to have a preview! I had no problem in going through the Old City to Zion Gate (30mins). Once outside this gate, I followed my map which turned out to be very misleading. I arrived at St. Peter of Gallicantu some way down the mount but still no sight of my objectives!  A kind gentleman directed me back up to Zion Gate and then another to the Cenacle which is about a "stone's throw" from there!! Perfect joy!  I entered a very unassuming doorway, climbed up several stairs and entered the UPPER ROOM or THE CENACLE (15.60m. by 9.40m.)  My first impressions were the darkness and then the starkness of the bare walls and ceiling. There were no icons or decorations of any kind, apart from a small, stained glass, Jewish window. The shape of the room was interesting with columns and arches. Through the centuries, this shrine has been in the care of the Franciscans, then the Moslems and now the Jews. What a complicated history!!   Christians are allowed to visit it but not to have Worship Services in it, except on two days of the year, ie. Holy Thursday and Pentecost Sunday. This is where we venerate the memory of the LAST SUPPER and the INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST, the APPEARANCES OF OUR RISEN LORD to the APOSTLES and the DESCENT of the HOLY SPIRIT on the APOSTLES and OUR LADY.  The latter event is commemorated in a smaller room up a flight of eight stairs. I found a slab to sit on, closed my eyes and reflected on these heart-warming events which we commemorate here. From there, I walked round the corner to behold a total contrast, the very beautiful, magnificent BASILICA of DORMITION!   In the upper church, what first caught my attention was one of the most beautiful mosaics I have seen, high up in the apse. It was of the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus who was holding the inscription, " I am the light of the world".  The whole apse, the floor and the side chapels are all adorned with colourful mosaics and bronzes.  As I entered the crypt, I immediately saw the Altar of the Dormition right in the centre before which lay, in the peaceful slumber of death, the statue of the Virgin Mary.  Again, there were many artistic mosaics, including one of Pentecost high up on the main apse. This basilica is in the care of the Benedictines (German) who have a monastery near by. The Franciscans also have a church nearby, called the CHURCH ad COENACULUM but it was locked so I couldn't visit it. I look forward to coming back for the Pentecost Ceremonies on Sunday. In the evening, three of us walked to Notre Dame (10mins.) to see a new film, "The Stones Cry Out" which is the story of the Palestinian Christians and was produced by Yasmine Perni, a young journalist. It was excellent but made me very sad, another reminder to pray for peace and justice for all! Love, Jo.  fmm

PS. above   http://www.gojerusalem.com/discover/item_10483/Last-Supper-Room-Coenaculum  

Starting today, 1 February 2013, pilgrims can once again celebrate mass at the church in the Monastery of St. Francis Ad Coenaculum (familiarly known as the Little Cenacle), on Mount Zion, a few steps from the site of the Last Supper.

Holy Sepulchre; David Torkington, 'Inner Life' A Fellow Traveller's Guide to Prayer.

Sr. Jo, 

Your Email/Journal of the Holy Sepulchre and photos have pictured the whole scene. 

It is rather dramatizing when we learn of David Torkington's experience in the Empty Tomb. 

On Friday, the Chapter Reading before Compline, we heard the Chapter from the the book by David Torkington, 'Inner Life' A Fellow Traveller's Guide to Prayer.

Later I found the Blogspot:

Posted by David Torkington at Saturday, March 30, 2013 

  http://dtorkington.blogspot.co.uk 

And David adds some lines, 'So now he can enter into us, as he promised, so that he can make his home in us and we can make our home in him. In the words of St Augustine this means that - “He can be closer to us than we are to ourselves.” That’s why de Caussade said that “The present moment contains far more than we have the capacity to receive for it is full of infinite treasures”. And that’s why he called it “the sacrament of the present moment,” because it is the only moment when time touches eternity.'

Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem The Holy Sepulcher or the Sacred Tomb, in Arabic called Al-Qeyamah,  which means the Resurrection.

See below ..........

Inner Life by David Torkington   

14  The empty tomb

Saturday, 30 March 2013

An Easter Reflection

The Empty Tomb  

It was almost twenty years ago that I was offered my first free holiday. It came like a bolt from the blue. All I had to do was to meet up with a group of pilgrims from the Outer Hebrides, bundle them on to a plane at Luton airport, and deliver them in one piece to Fr Kenneth, a Franciscan priest in Tel Aviv. It all sounded too good to be true, but it was true, and it turned out to be one of the most important spiritual experiences of my life.

It had all happened so quickly that I hadn't time to think about it, and when I did I'm ashamed to admit I thought of it as a free holiday rather than as a pilgrimage. Of course I'd visit the holy places and consider it a privilege, but my pilgrimages in Italy had stretched my credulity to breaking point. I'd become hard­ bitten and sceptical, only hard facts and incontestable evidence would impress me. I had no intention of wasting my time visit­ing dubious places where Jesus was supposed to have said this or done that, when I could be sunning myself by the Mediterra­nean. But I was in for something of a surprise. Oh yes, there were plenty of contentious places and pious legends by the bucket­ful, but there were more hard facts than I had imagined, more than enough to keep me happy and off the beaches, to return home as white as I had come.

On the first day I did the grand tour of all the major shrines in style as Fr Kenneth had been asked to act as guide to the Canadian foreign minister. There are more Gaelic speakers in Canada then there are in Scotland and, as the foreign minister was one of them, he and Fr Kenneth spoke to each other in their common tongue knowing full well that the official car was bugged. When for my sake he reverted to English whenever we left the car, I was amazed to hear the evidence for the authenticity of the Holy Places. After the Romans had destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD they built their own pagan shrines over them so as to obliterate their memory. However their action did exactly the opposite, guaranteeing their preservation until they were returned to Christianity when Constantine became the first Christian Emperor. When he proclaimed the empire Christian in 313, the exact spot where Christ died and rose again was pinpointed exactly. It was the Holy Sepulcher that impressed me most – not the architecture but the atmosphere of the place that touched me more deeply than I would have imagined.

Fr. Kenneth, who had lived and worked in the Holy Land for most of his life, seemed to have a key to every place that you really should see, and even to places that you shouldn't! On the night before we left, his famous key opened a door to me that seemed closed to everyone else, and opened to me an experience that has affected me deeply to this day. Although the doors to the Holy Sepulcher are closed every night, and cannot be opened until the next morning no matter what, I was allowed to remain inside for the whole night, with a room to myself in the Franciscan friary within. I never went into that room. I spent all the time before the midnight office at Calvary,

and the time after it alone in the empty tomb. I was so overcome that I began to wish I could spend the rest of my life in that friary so that I could return again and again, night after night, to what must be the holiest place on earth — the place where Christ had lain and from which he rose from the dead.

Then suddenly, in a matter of moments, I had a spiritual experience that changed everything. I didn't see anything, I didn't hear anything, but the words of God spoke to me in a way that they had never spoken to me before or since. In one sense it was nothing spectacular, but in another sense it irrevocably changed my whole attitude to the Resurrection that I'd believed in since I was a child, but which had never really touched me in the way it touched me that night.

I don't claim that the words came directly from God or anything like that; they most certainly came from my subconscious, but I'm sure God gave them a bit of a push. The words were these: "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was cru­cified. See, here is the place where they laid him. He is risen now. He is not here. He has gone before you into Galilee." I changed instantly. I no longer wanted to live in that friary for the rest of my life; I didn't even want to return to the tomb where Christ had once lain in the past. The empty tomb suddenly lost its importance, though not its significance. The meaning of the Resurrection struck me acutely as never before, it was as if some­one had said "ephphatha" and my eyes had been opened to a truth that I had known with my head, but which had never fully pen­etrated my heart. Although my spiritual understanding hadn't substantially changed, it had been totally transformed in a way that I find difficult to put into words. It was as if I'd spent years looking at the Resurrection from the outside, as framed in a stained-glass window, then suddenly seen it again, this time from the inside with the sun shining through it.

The Resurrection meant that Jesus had been swept up out of the world of space and time in which he'd lived before, not to leave us alone but to be closer to us than ever before, and as he prom­ised "even to the end of time." Before the Resurrection Jesus was limited by the physical body which He had freely chosen to enter into. His choice meant that he could only be in one place at a time, so meeting him would have been as difficult as meeting any major personality in our time. But that's all changed now because the same otherworldly power that raised him out of this world on the first Easter day enabled him to re-enter it on every day. So now he can enter into us, as he promised, so that he can make his home in us and we can make our home in him. In the words of St Augustine this means that - “He can be closer to us than we are to ourselves.” That’s why de Caussade said that “The present moment contains far more than we have the capacity to receive for it is full of infinite treasures”. And that’s why he called it “the sacrament of the present moment,” because it is the only moment when time touches eternity.

Sacred times and sacred places are only man-made remind­ers of the One who is present at every time and in every place to men and women of faith who choose to receive him. Old fools live in the past; young fools live in the future. I know one fool who's lived in both, but thanks to Fr. Kenneth's fa­mous key he's trying to live a little more fully in the present moment.

COMMENT: photos Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday

                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG........
To: Donald .......
Sent: Wednesday, 1 May 2013, 19:38
Subject: photos

Dear Don, I hope these two photos come through. They are at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. No. 7277 is of the Patriarch, four Bishops and the priests, etc at the Mass. No. 7355 is the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the Anointing Stone. I will still search for others that might be suitable. Tomorrow, I am off to the dentist!! Love Jo.   xx

++++++++++++++++++++++----- Forwarded Message -----

From: William ..............
To: Donald........
Sent: Wednesday, 1 May 2013, 19:39
Subject: Sr. Jo.fmm's journal

Dear Father Donald,

 

It is such a delight to have a copy of Sr Jo,fmm's journal to read alongside your own!

I have copied it into Word to keep it in my Holy Land folder with all that you have shared.

I wonder how much, or how little, may have changed there in the last ten years...

.... ten years!

 

With my love in Our Lord,

William

 

Jo. fmm. Biblical Experience at Via Dolorosa

Ecce Homo - Biblical Experience 2013. 

Sion Sisters at Via Dolorosa 

Sr. Jo FMM. third from right, sitting.

    Dear Sr. Jo,

Thank you for the great work recording the Via Dolorosa Biblical Experience.

You seem to have packed in the Holy Places in more in a month than my three monts there..

Hopefully you will keep memories of your the Nablus continuing Sabbatical.

D........                                                                                                            

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG....
To: Donald ....
Sent: Wednesday, 1 May 2013, 10:26
Subject: Jo's Journal

Dear Don, You did a great job of putting my emails together. Congrats! The trouble is that I do not have a camera! The photos I have are ones that members of our group sent me, bless them! ...Unfortunately, I have very few from Easter Sunday to the end, apart from a few individual ones at the Sea of Galilee which one good Sister sent me. Those I have sent.  If I get any more, I will send them to you. Happy feast of St. Joseph to you and Nivy! Love, Jo.  xx

Mass of Chrism March 28                

            

N...

Sorry that some of these journals from Jo, that I'm forwarding now- catching up- are not in sequence.  I have been busy hence the delay.  

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG...
To: N...
Sent: Sunday, 14 April 2013, 10:04
Subject: Mass of Chrism March 28

HOLY WEEK  IN  THE  HOLY  LAND WED. 27th...In the morning,we continued to enjoy our three lectures based on the later chapters of JOHN'S GOSPEL, especially on the texts which relate to the last days of Jesus, eg. the Last Supper and the Foot Washing, Discourse and Passion Narrative. Could we have a better preparation for our Easter Tridium? After lunch, we enjoyed a Singing Practice for the Holy Week Ceremonies and then had a very welcome FREE AFTERNOON and EVENING - much appreciated!! HOLY THURSDAY We were up at cock crow for an early breakfast at 6 am so that we could be at the HOLY SEPULCHRE by 6.40 to find a place for THE MASS OF CHRISM. There were some plain benches and most of them were reserved for the priests so crowds were already standing round the area. I was extremely lucky to find a corner on one of them so I didn't have to stand for three and a half hours!! I didn't expect "musical chairs or rather benches" but that is what happened!! When the vested priests arrived, we had to give up our seats.Some time later,the priests got up and moved to the central area so we nimbly regained our seats!! Some people were disappointed because they had to stand,could see little and really didn't understand what was going on. Having been to Mass there before, I knew what to expect in the crowded conditions and small space. It was better than the first time because, being early,we had no competition from the other religious groups. We were given booklets which I found a great help with a good introduction to the ceremonies and with the readings and prayers in the different languages.The chief celebrant was the Patriarch and there were several bishops and, I guess, about 200 priests from many nations.The procedure was as usual with four readings, the Blessing of the Oils and the priests re-commitment. When the Eucharist ended, there was a very grand Procession  of the BLESSED SACRAMENT three times round the Tomb of Christ and then round the Stone of Anointing with joyful singing and lots of incense. It was certainly a very impressive and memorable ceremony!

Holy Thursday March 28          

                        

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG...
To: N...
Sent: Monday, 15 April 2013, 19:48
Subject: Holy Thursday March 28

HOLY  THURSDAY  cont. 5pm....  EUCHARIST  OF  THE  LAST  SUPPER  was held here in the Basilica of Ecce             Homo with the usual washing of the feet.Here there was an additional feature..             After having their feet washed by the celebrant,some of them remained on the             sanctuary and invited anyone from the congregation to come up to have their feet              washed by them.About six responded.             The whole Ceremony was very peaceful and prayerful with beautiful singing. 7.30......What better way could we spend Holy Thursday evening than by accompanying              Jesus in Gethsemane and the Kedron valley? Each one was free to spend time in              prayer in the Garden or in the Church.Then,as a group, we walked down the              Kedron Valley and found a suitable place to sit on the rocks for group prayer-              an appropriate psalm,Taize chants,etc. We then walked up the other side of the              Kedron Valley (very steep) and along a main road to the CHURCH OF ST.PETER              IN GALLICANTU which means "cock crow" We visited the Church and the              extensive excavations under it.An old Roman stepped road leads down the              hillside to the Kedron Valley and is now used as a place for quiet prayer,              We arrived back in Ecco Homo at 10.40 and put our clocks forward one hour!!

Good Friday March 29               

                               

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG...
To: N...
Sent: Tuesday, 16 April 2013, 19:00
Subject: Good Friday March 30

G O O D   F R I D A Y We all gathered in the LITHOSTROTOS at 6am and, after some prayer,made our way upstairs to the VIA DOLOROSA to make our WAY OF THE CROSS. We started early because it is very quiet and peaceful at this time as the little shops are not open yet and there are few people around. We wended our way left and right through the narrow streets, stopping at each Station which was marked by the number on the wall of a church or a building. A Sion Sr. led us, reading a scripture text and several intercessions at each station. One of our group commented to me afterwards,"Wasn't that wonderful! We prayed for the whole world." After breakfast, I challenged myself to find my own way round the stations and all went well till I got near the Holy Sepulchre where the last 4 stations are. The 2 roads in were blocked off by the police so no one was allowed in! The official Way of the Cross was at 3pm, led by a big number of OFM's but we were advised not to join because of the huge crowds. Instead,we watched from our terrace with great interest, the procession coming out of the school opposite and wending their way, with difficulty, through the crowds of spectators. The 1st and 2nd stations were just below us so we had a grand view. We celebrated the COMMEMORATION OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD in the Lithostrotos, a most fitting place,and many outsiders joined us.Several of us participated in the reading of the Passion Narrative and the whole liturgy was very solemn and unforgettable.What a unique Good Friday for all of us!

Holy Saturday March 30                  

                     

N......

Sorry for delay in forwarding these.  I've had a bad cold or hay fever.  

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG......
To:N...
Sent: Tuesday, 16 April 2013, 20:14
Subject: Holy Saturday March 30 

H O L Y   S A T U R D A Y It was good to have a free day so I went over to Nablus Road to have lunch with our Srs. 9pm   EASTER VIGIL OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST THE LITURGY OF LIGHT took place up on the terrace and happily the weather was very mild. We then processed down to the Basilica for the EUCHARIST, joyfully singing "Christ be Our Light". It was surprising the number of people who joined us. All of our group, as well as others, participated in the readings,liturgical dances, singing, etc. The Srs. of Sion had prepared the liturgy beautifully so it was very creative,prayerful and joyful.              CHRIST IS RISEN, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!

Easter Sunday March 31           

                            

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McGlynn <jomcglynnfmm@yahoo.co.uk>
To: fmmclontarf@yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Friday, 19 April 2013, 7:10
Subject: EASTER SUNDAY March 30

Dear All,                                       E A S T E R    S U N D A Y We started this special day with an EASTER MORNING EUCHARIST at 7am on the upper terrace. Many visitors joined us as well as a beautiful choir accompanied with various musical instruments. You can imagine how joyful it was as the many voices sang out ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA! How did we spend the rest of the day? We had realised earlier on that a visit to Qumran and the Dead Sea was not on our program and Easter Sunday was our only free day!! So fourteen of us hired a bus and set off after breakfast. I felt a bit strange - celebrating the RESURRECTION, new and eternal LIFE by visiting the DEAD Sea!! At first the Judean Hills had some green, as the winter rains had been good, but the further east we went the browner those hills became, looking dead. Later, we were told that the green grass or plants turn brown to conserve the energy but they are still fodder for the sheep and goats,still life giving! What a joy to see the water of the Dead Sea in the distance! As we drove along a smooth, modern road parallel to the sea, I was struck by the huge contrast- the parched,bare mts. and valley as opposed to the rich green patches of healthy trees and plants, e.g. olives, palms, vines, various fruits and vegetables, all due to irrigation with life giving water. After a while, we turned right, away from the sea and towards the barren hills, and soon arrived at:                         Q U M R A N The heat was terrific and I wondered how people could have survived here! The Essenes did and they installed an elaborate water system as they relied entirely on rain water.A platform at the entrance gave us a good overall view of all the excavations and all the parts are well marked - courtyards, assembly room, several cisterns, an oven and mill, two pottery kilns,and the largest room which was probably a place of worship... Only one  of the  caves could be easily reached, if you had the energy for the long thirsty walk which most of us hadn,t! What really makes Qumran interesting is its association with the DEAD SEA SCROLLS and the fact that these ruins have survived unchanged since the time of Jesus.                         D E A D   S E A  There is a rabbinical saying,"To be called living ,one must both receive and give." This sea is called DEAD because it receives water from the R. Jordan but there is no exit for its water to flow south. Yet it does give too! Its daily evaporated water helps the milder climate of Jerusalem and its rich mineral deposites are a wonderful source of income.So, even the Dead Sea is life giving in its own unique way!  We continued our journey south along the coast until we came to                          E I N    G E D I  ( fountain of the kid ) I was surprised to find it so developed with swimming pools, picnic areas on terraces and under the shady trees, a cafe, a gift shop and all modern conveniences. As it is Passover Time, many large families had gathered here and were obviously enjoying their picnics and the various activities available. We boarded the quaint transport, a tractor pulling three simple carriages, and in a few minutes we were at the edge of the water with crowds all around - sitting on beach chairs, floating, running around and, of course, taking photos! I paddled and found the water oily and very salty but I was not tempted to float!! I really enjoyed all the antics around and the atmosphere of joy and excitement, especially among the children!! After the floating, many walked back to the centre to cover themselves with the "healing" mud (stored in a big open tank) and then sat in the sun to let it dry before washing it all off in the open- air showers!! Great fun was had by all! So I was happy with our visit to the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi which I found to be a place of LIFE and LAUGHTER! PRAISE THE RISEN LORD,  ALLELUIA,  ALLELUIA! Love to all, Jo. fmm

Easter Monday 1 April 20013             

                        

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG.....
To: N..........
Sent: Friday, 19 April 2013, 8:57
Subject: Easter Monday April 1

Dear All, Here we are into the joyful season of Eastertide and this morning we had our last three lectures on JOHN'S GOSPEL from Sr. Mary Coloe pbvm. Very appropriately, they were based on Chapters 20 and 21 with many more insights and finally she gave a good summary of all that she had shared with us and gave us a list of resources that we can use in our further studies. Wonderful! I may have told you already that Mary is really passionate about John's Gospel and this came across as she led us into the deeper meanings of texts and words in Hebrew and Greek, as the English translations are often inaccurate or weak, so we don't get the true or full meaning! She skillfully brought out the references, often hidden from us, to beliefs or incidents in the OT which the early Christians would have immediately understood. I feel that Mary has touched "the tip of the iceberg" and, for me, she has lighted the flame of desire to study the treasure she has given us and to delve deeper into the Gospel of John in the years ahead. May the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten and guide her in all that the Lord calls her to be and to do! It will be no surprise to you that we gave Mary a wholehearted, well-deserved STANDING OVATION!                           T H E   N I G H T   S P E C T U L A R                           Sound  and  Light  at the Citadel  of David We left at 7pm for this entertainment during which, the brochure promised, we would "meet stories of the past, historical realities and ancient myths of the city of Jerusalem in a mesmerizing experience of virtual reality." The show lasted 45minutes and took place outside but fortunately it was not too cold. The "screen" was actually the inner walls and ramparts of this huge citadel, so the pictures were immense, stretching from our left hand side, across the front and over to our right as well as going to a great height - amazing! The accompanying music was very appropriate and moving. It began with Creation and ended with modern Jerusalem. As we were brought through the dramas of time and history, it really was SPECTACULAR! The final plea, in huge letters was  "P R A Y FOR THE PEACE OF J E R U S A L E M". Love, Jo. fmm

Easter Tuesday 2 April

             

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG...
To: N.......
Sent: Friday, 19 April 2013, 13:56
Subject: Easter Tuesday 2 April

Dear All,                         E A S T E R    T U E S D A Y Our day started with two lectures on the  S P I R I T U A L I T Y   of   I S L A M  by Father Frans Bouwen WF. It was good to get some new insights into Islam and their beliefs which help us to grow in our understanding of them. Then came  "G A L I L E E   P R E P A R A T I O N S" for our 4 days there, what we will need, etc. Excitement mounts as we look forward to this climax of our Program! In the afternoon, Rev. Gregory Tatum op came to introduce us to the HISTORY and STRUCTURE of  THE   HOLY  SEPULCHRE, probably the most treasured of all Christian shrines, where Jesus died and was raised to a new life by the power of God. Then he took us on a grand tour of this very complex building and explained all the chapels, shrines, "nooks and cranies"..!  Books have been written!!                          E A S T E R    W E D N E S D A Y             You may remember that our 4 hour desert experience had to be cancelled because of heavy rain and flash floods! Well, today it was again on our program but for only 2 hours, to my relief! At 8am, we boarded our bus and were driven towards the Dead Sea but we branched into the JUDEAN DESERT - a series of very dry limestone mts., but NO SAND! The bus wound its way up several heart-stopping hairpin bends and I must admit, I kept my eyes closed!! We stopped at a lookout spot and had a magnificent view of the surrounding mts., including the distant ones on the other side of the Jordan. Then we headed for           " W A D I   K E L T", a river bed whose waters flow eventually into the R. Jordan. The water rushing from a spring in the mountainside was a glorious sight and brought a little coolness. We then started our hike, 30 mins., along the waterside which was more like mountain climbing- over rocks and boulders- than a sandy desert walk which I had expected!! At times, we crossed over the river on rocks and there were always willing hands to help us. Only a couple fell in but it wasn't deep!! Our excellent guide found a nice shady spot where we could sit down on the rocks and he led us in a memorable time of scripture sharing, reflection and silent prayer. He gave us a couple of thought provoking quotations which we could reflect on during our return journey. "Hefker" means "ownerlessness" or I suppose we would say "total detachment." "Why was the Torah given in the desert? To teach you that unless one makes oneself hefker, as the desert, he will not merit the words of the Torah."                                                                         Pesikta R.Kahana "Know that, when one prays in a field, all the grasses come into the prayer and help him and give him strength in his prayer.... It is better to find solitude outside the city, in a place where grass grows, because the grasses cause the heart to awaken..." In the evening, we had an interesting lecture from Dr. Samah Jabr on "THE COMPLEX REALITY OF PALESTINE ISRAEL" God bless and love to all, Jo fmm

April 4 2013 Easter Thursday 

Forwarding another beautiful sharing from Jo. ...

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo McG.......
To: N.......
Sent: Saturday, 20 April 2013, 20:10
Subject: Easter Thursday

Dear All,                                  E A S TE R    T H U R S D A Y The big day had arrived and we departed for GALILEE at 6.30am. Our bus took the now familiar route towards the Dead Sea but branched north taking a main road near to the R.Jordan and parallel with it.Although so near, we could not see its water because it is so low lying.As we travelled up the Jordan valley,I could see huge cultivated fields, mostly covered over,on large hoops, with white or greyish material, so to me they looked like rows and rows of army camps!! After about two hours, we came to our first stop:                                   B E I T    S H E A N This city has been occupied since 5000 BC and the first thing we saw was a huge mound or hill, 80m. high. Our guide informed us that 18 cities had been built on top of each other through the centuries! In the National Park,we walked around some extensive and remarkable excavations. The most striking part for me was a Roman theatre which could have seated 7000 people. One of our group, with some persuasion, sang a song on its stage - " O, Danny Boy " and, of course, we all joined in the chorus!! After inspecting the rest of the archaeological treasures, we were soon on our way, via NAIM to our next stop:                                   N A Z A R E T H The first sight of it, nestling comfortably into the hillside, was breath-taking! As I stepped off the bus,I thought, "Here I am, Jesus, on the Holy Ground where Mary gave her "YES" to God and the INCARNATION took place,where You were cared for by Mary and Joseph and where You worked as a carpenter for many years. Thank You for making this dream come true!"  I then proceeded to see what man has done to honour the Holy Family and commemorate these two LIFE GIVING EVENTS. We went first to  THE ANNUNCIATION BASILICA  with its impressive structure and gigantic dome. Rather than giving long explanations,I will just list some of the things we saw in the Basilica and in the Church of St. Joseph. - The Grotta of the Annunciation, the most holy spot in the whole site because it venerates the Mystery of the Annunciation and the Incarnation. - On outside walls and inside the Upper Church, massive murals in honour of Our Lady donated by various nations. - On the west facade, engraved scenes relating to the Incarnation from the Old and New Testaments and on the south facade dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the "Salve Regina". - In a portico, mosaics mainly representing the Mysteries of the Rosary ( again gifts from many nations) - In the pavement, Marian emblems relating to the Councils of the Church in which Marian Theology was discussed. - In a cave dwelling underneath the Church of St. Joseph, the home of the Holy Family is venerated. - In the apses of St. Joseph's, three beautiful frescoes; THE HOLY FAMILY, ST. JOSEPH'S DREAM and ST. JOSEPH'S DEATH. -Further away on the main road, MARY'S WELL from which Mary would have drawn her water. The time was all too short as we still had to visit the Daughters of Nazareth and see the interesting excavations below their convent. We could see clearly a Jewish tomb cut in the rock with a rolling stone and over it the remains of some sacred building.They think it may have been the house and tomb of Joseph. We then celebrated our Eucharist in their Chapel and afterwards enjoyed our picnic lunch on their terrace. Our driver was waiting for us but he had bad news - the engine wouldn't start! He and several others worked on it for an hour without success  So he found another driver who was willing to take us to Tagba. We arrived safely in "Pilgerhaus" where we would stay for three nights. The first thing I did, even before unpacking, was to walk the few minutes down to the lakeside, breath in its freshness and listen to the song of the birds among the trees. It is so good to be here! Love, Jo fmm  N... Carching up with Jo's journals. Easter Friday April 5                    ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo McG.... To: N...... Sent: Monday, 22 April 2013, 8:11 Subject: Easter Friday Dear All, As we travelled from Nazareth yesterday, we passed through CANA but we did not have time to visit the Franciscan Wedding Church or to taste the Cana Wedding Wine which was advertised everywhere!! Instead, I tried 'to drink in' the amazing scenery with the picturesque patchwork of kibbutz fields, silvery green of olive groves and varied hues of crops and orchards. For the first time, I saw cows here.  What a joy to catch my first glimpse of the Sea of Galilee! "Pilgerhaus" is like a beautiful hotel, run by German Srs., with a Prayer room. Conference room, Gift shop and Cafe. I soon discovered the roof terrace overlooking the Sea, an ideal spot for free moments! At 7.45 this morning, after a five star breakfast, we boarded our bus and headed north to                    THE  ANCIENT  CITY  of  DAN It is not too far from the Lebanese border and has  the main source of water for the River Jordan. The springs are fed by the snow and rain that fall on Mt. Hermon. Excavations took place here between 1965 and 1971 and a very ancient monumental  city gate was discovered intact,as well as the ruins of a palace. We entered the                                 TEL DAN NATURE RESERVE which was like stepping into a "wonderland," with scores of bubbling brooks, tall treetops reaching for the sky and verdant green growth everywhere! It rained on and off, so I wore my raincoat for the first time! I felt exhilarated as we walked after our guide along a wooden pathway (very muddy underneath) and over bridges where all cameras were in action to catch the swift flowing water ,with its foam and spray, as it rushed its merry way over the rocks! Having seen the great need for water in the south,I was consoled to know that this water was on its way to give life to needy people and their agricultural land. What a treasure! As we walked, our guide informed us about the variety of trees, plants, animals and birds found here. After some time, we came to a fork and she told us that we had a choice - either to return by a short route or walk a longer route for one and a half hours. She warned us that the latter would be a rocky road, hilly and very muddy!! A few of us decided to take the short route while the others went gaily on with the guide. So I was able to walk back slowly appreciating the surroundings more,eg. many trees meeting high overhead in an arch like "Nature's Chapel". Back to base, we enjoyed a nice, hot coffee and an hour of chat or quiet prayer by the mini waterfalls, "springs of living water". Peace, perfect peace, in the midst of God's wonderful creation!!                         CAESAREA  PHILIPPI  (BANIAS  NATURE  RESERVE)  Since the Six Day War, it is possible to continue the 5km to Banias where we find the most easterly of the springs which form the Jordan. I was particularly struck by this excavation site - the amount of water channeled through several channels and pools making a beautiful sight. Towering above and behind this area was a huge, extensive rock cliff with a large open cave.which was the outlet for the spring water. This was originally a shrine of Baal and place of cultic practices. We could see three other,very clear niches, for the statues of their gods, cut into the rock. When our guide had finished her explanations, we all found a seat on the rocks and Sr. Mary read a very fitting text from the Gospel, MATT. 16:13-19, in which Jesus says to Peter, ".... You are Peter and on this rock, I will build my Church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it........" During our reflection time,it was easy to picture Jesus and His disciples here in this place at that time. We returned to Tagba by another route, the main road parallel to the Jordan, giving us new views and horizons, including Syria and the Golan Heights.  Love, Jo. fmm Easter Saturday March 6                 ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo McG... To: N... Sent: Tuesday, 23 April 2013, 20:36 Subject: Easter Saturday March 6 Dear All, Yesterday, we arrived back around 3.30pm giving me some time to explore and to find the Benedictine Monastery. Another Sr. joined me and after 10mins., we came across the German Srs' convent and between it and the waterside, a smaller house which I suspected might be the Hermitage. We continued through the olive groves and within 5mins., there it was - the monastery! We inspected the courtyard and the darkish, prayerful Church, especially the tiles with the Loaves and Fish. There was no sign of any monk and it was time for us to return for a  LECTIO DIVINA SESSION with Fr. Walter. He explained what it is, gave us some helpful techniques and then we tried to put them into practice, taking the text of "The Rich Man and Lazarus". I hope his insights will help me to see the parables with a more open mind, allowing them to challenge me! After that, we celebrated our EUCHARIST, giving thanks to God for another unusual and exciting day. DEO GRATIAS!                              E A S T E R    S A  T U R D A Y An Australian Sr. and I met at the Reception Desk at 5.45am and walked over to the monastery to join the monks for Lauds and the Eucharistic Celebration.There were some lay people there but only three monks whose singing was excellent. I felt very much at home! After that, it was back for a super-breakfast, collect packed lunch and depart for                               C A P E R N A U M It lies on the NW coast of the Sea of Galilee near the Jordan and the Syrian border and was, of course, the centre of Jesus' ministry - preaching, healing the sick and performing miracles. I imagined, at least, a small town but ruins are the only remains of this once flourishing city, due to invasions and earthquakes. The Franciscans purchased these ruins  in 1894 and gradually excavated them and built up most of what we see there today. A complex of habitations of the first centuary A.D. has been uncovered over the entire area of the excavations. I was looking forward to seeing Peter's House as I had seen the replica at the Eucharistic Congress. There it was, very clear, with its main central room and lots of smaller adjoining ones. The new circular, R.C. Church is built spread-eagled over the top of the excavations and a section of glass floor, cordoned off in the centre, allowed us to have a bird's eye view of Peter's House and its surroundings. We walked through the well preserved ruins of the synagogue which has been partially reconstructed and its delicate carvings are well displayed on the paths leading to it. Other exhibits we saw were grain mills, oil presses, ceramics and coins. Beyond the Franciscan compound is a convent for the Greek Orthodox. It was interesting to watch some young men throwing out their nets and another group pulling theirs in, near the shore. Some of us found a secluded spot, near the waterside, to ponder the wonderful things that had happened here in the time of Jesus and the early disciples. Our next stop was a beautiful little Greek Orthodox Church surrounded by fertile gardens. The many coloured peacocks , happy to pose for the cameras, were a great attraction! I don't think I've ever seen a Church with so many icons - covering all the walls,ceilings and columns, so varied and so colourful! We found an ideal place, beside a cove of lapping water, for our picnic lunch.                             T A G B H A This site is the traditional location of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes and the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. We visited  THE  CHURCH  of  ST.  PETER  which was built by the OFM's in the 1930's, near a beautiful, little open bay with some ancient steps leading down to the water line. It is called "Simon Peter's Landing Place".Near the Church are some rocks, one flat topped with the words "MENSA CHRISTI" (table of christ) written on it. A short walk brought us to the Benedictine Monastery and  THE  CHURCH  of  THE LOAVES  and  the  FISHES. The latter was built on the foundations of an older byzantine church in 1982, preserving its style and incorporating all the artifacts that had been found during the excavations. I was happy to have a second chance to examine and admire the mosaics, especially the renowned one on the sanctuary floor in front of the altar - a basket with the loaves and two fishes. The Church and the land around it are the property of the German Association for the Holy Land. Benedictine monks of the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem are entrusted with its care.                             S H R I N E  OF  T H E  B E A T I T U D E S On this mountain rising behind Tagbha, we saw the familiar round Chapel, built in 1937, and the nearby Hospice, the property of the Associazione Italiana,and served by the Franciscan Srs. of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The views from there were magnificent and the peaceful gardens were full of trees, bushes and colourful flowers. As I entered the octagonal shrine, I was surprised at how small it actually is. The altar in the centre with the dome high above it glittering with gold mosaic, is enclosed so we were able to walk all around it to observe the inscriptions and ornamentations. On each of the big windows is inscribed one of the eight beatitudes. The atmosphere was silent and prayerful. What better way to end our visit to this hallowed spot than to celebrate THE EUCHARIST in Nature's Chapel - a circle of stone seats around an "altar" under the trees and overlooking the Sea of Galilee in the distance? Fortunately, we were back in Pilgerhaus before 6pm so I was able to join the monks for Vespers. Afterwards, I spoke with Br. Joseph and got their email address, in case I need it later. Love, Jo. fmm  2nd Sunday of Easter - 7th April                                     ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo Mc... To: N... Sent: Wednesday, 24 April 2013, 13:50 Subject: Fw: 2nd Sunday of Easter - 7th April Dear All,                               D I V I N E    M E R C Y   S U N D A Y I woke up very conscious that this was our last day in Galilee and I was blessed to watch the sun rise over the sea from the roof terrace - no adjectives adequate to describe it!! By 7am, our group were assembled in another of "Nature's Chapels" down at the edge of the lake and surrounded by trees. A semi-circle of logs were arranged in front of the stone altar, so we were facing the water.As introduction, one of the liturgist's drew water from the lake in a native water jug and poured it into a bowl.The chief celebrant, one of our bishops, held the bowl and each of us blessed our "buddy" with this special water.Later, we renewed our baptmisal promises. Our Gospel was the post resurrection appearance of Jesus to seven of His disciples ( John 21:1-14 ),so appropriate in that setting. and followed by an excellent homily. As the "Eucharist" came to an end, I could say with the disciple whom Jesus loved, " IT IS  THE LORD!" It is the Lord Who has given us His Body and Blood in this area where He had given His disciples bread and fish - roasted on a "charcoal fire"! THANK YOU, LORD, FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE HIGHLIGHT!                            BOAT  JOURNEY  on  the  SEA  of  GALILEE After breakfast, we said Good Bye to the staff of "Pilgerhaus" who had treated us so well and boarded our bus, complete with baggage. A short time later, we were waiting in a queue for "our" boat! Fortunately, it was big enough for us to walk around and see all the surrounding views, the sea being calm and the temperatures just right. After some time, the engine stopped, we all took a seat and Sr. Mary read the Gospel text ( Mark 6:45-56 ) " STILLING the STORM" which was followed by her usual insightful commentary. We had thirty minutes of silent prayer and reflection to the gentle rocking of the boat ( no storms today!) and to the sound of sweet singing from a distant "pilgrim boat". As we left the boat, I felt very grateful for this second memorable highlight and wished we could have stayed a couple of more hours on the lake!                            M U S E U M - A N C I E N T  G A L I L E E  B O A T First, we were shown a very interesting video on an ancient boat found in the Sea of Galilee. It told us how, in 1986, two brothers discovered the Boat  in the Sea of Galilee,buried in and protected by the seabed's sediments.The Israeli Antiquities Authority,assisted by many volunteers, rescued the fragile boat in a remarkable eleven-day excavation and then successfully floated it to the nearby Yigal Allon Centre, where it underwent an extensive eleven- year conservation process. Based on much research, it is believed that the Galilee Boat is dated to the first centuries BCE-CE and that it is the type of boat that would have been used by the disciples of Jesus. In Feb,,2000, the Boat was moved to its permanent home, in a new wing of the Yigal Allon Centre. After this explanation and many details, we were happy to see the Boat itself proudly displayed  in a huge glass showcase, as well as many other exhibits in the Museum. If you want to know more details about it, the website is http://www.jesusboat.com/ After an enjoyable lunch at a Lebanese Restaurant, we were on our way "up to Jerusalem" with continuing comments and stories from our good guide. We arrived "home" at Ecce Homo, safe and sound and well pleased with all that we had experienced in Galilee. Love, Jo. fmm Monday 8th April                  ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo McG.... To: N... Sent: Thursday, 25 April 2013, 8:15 Subject: Mon. 8th April Dear sisters and brothers,                              M O N D A Y   8th A P R I L   As this was our last full day, I decided to go to the HOLY SEPULCHRE for Mass at 7am with four of our group. We asked a Franciscan where they were celebrating the Mass and he explained that it would be in the Tomb and the room is very small.He was sorry but it would be impossible as there were at least 12 seminarians already!! However, at the last minute, he squeezed us in and closed the door quickly to keep another group out!!  I couldn't believe it! I had wondered if I'd ever get in, even for a flying visit,as there always seemed to be long queues of pilgrims waiting to get in! Now, here I was participating in the Eucharist right inside! Our God is a God of surprises! What a privilege! What a joy! Later I discovered the Franciscan was from Ghana! We had two informative lectures in the morning  from REV. FRANS  BOUWEN   WF. The topic was   " EASTERN  and  ORIENTAL  CHURCHES..                              H E B R O N  We have quite a lot of dust storms here, reminding me of the " harmattan" in Ghana. The haze and dust seemed to increase as we travelled the 35km south to the Old City of HEBRON in the afternoon. It was good to see that many of the hills have been terraced so there is a lot of cultivation of trees and crops.We first went to a great enclosure built with massive stone blocks by Herod the Great. The large courtyard is occupied by various buildings but the main one is THE MOSQUE, which was a Byzantine Church restored by the Crusaders. After passing through the security, the men put on skull caps and we were given long grey cloaks to wear inside and, of course, we all removed our shoes!The prayer area was very spacious and carpeted. We saw the shrouded memorials or cenotaphs, supposed to stand above the graves of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob and of their wives Sarah, Rebekah and Leah. The actual tombs are deep underneath in a cave and nobody is allowed to go there.The most beautiful item in the Mosque is a carved wooden pulpit. After visiting the Mosque, we walked through the local market and noticed many of the little shops were closed down, it seems since curfew time some years back! We were all happy to buy something and one of our priests bought a beautiful woven waistcoat of many colours - actually used for weddings!! Our guide led us on to a very interesting glass factory which produced the most beautiful jars, vases, decorated plaques, decorated plates, ornaments, etc. etc. We observed the different stages in this simple street shop - the two glass blowers doing their skilled work beside a roasting hot furnace, the six artists in the quiet, back room all busy decorating the various products and the large shop where all the produce was on display and for sale.It was great to see such a successful enterprise going on! After supper, we had our final lecture from FR.  DAVID  NEUHAUS , a Jewish, Catholic Jesuit. The topic was  THE  COMPLEX  REALITY  of   ISRAEL  PALESTINE. He started by telling us a little about himself and his conversion which were fascinating! I'll tell you about him later. He had asked us before for three or four questions on the topic and he proceeded to answer these in a very clear and lively manner. We were blessed to have him as our last speaker! What a wonderful ending to our program! Tomorrow, is our Farewell Eucharist and Departures!! Love, Jo. fmm                                                              Departure Day - 9th April      Blogspot domdonald.org.uk  ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: FMMcommunity Clontarf <fmmclontarf@yahoo.co.uk> To: Nivard McGlynn <nivardmcglynn@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, 28 April 2013, 21:01 Subject: Fw: Departure ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo McGlynn <jomcglynnfmm@yahoo.co.uk> To: fmmclontarf@yahoo.co.uk Sent: Sunday, 28 April 2013, 18:11 Subject: Departure Dear Noreen,                              DEPARTURE  DAY - 9th APRIL We assembled in the Salle de Sion  for a Prayer Service at 9am. After the reading of Isaiah 55:10-11, we were invited to share what has stayed with us, highlights of the program, or whatever! The sharings were very personal and moving and everyone spoke which, it seems, is most unusual!  When our Service ended, it was Sr. Bernadette's turn to speak and to distribute our certificates plus a beautiful Peace souvenir. Finally, one of our group expressed our heartfelt thanks to Bernadette, all the Srs. of Sion and the Chemin Neuf Community for making us feel so much at home and for organising such a fantastic Program. The latter work side by side with the Sion Srs. in Ecce Homo. It is a Roman Catholic apostolic community with an ecumenical vocation in which are committed Christians of different denominations - couples, families, consecrated celebates..                              C L O S I N G   E U C H A R I S T It was with mixed feelings that we assembled in the Basilica for our final Eucharist, full of joy and thanksgiving  for all that we had received and, yet, sadness that this unique experience was coming to an end!  The Liturgy had been beautifully prepared by the Sion Srs. so it was very prayerful, joyful and meaningful.    ALL PRAISE AND THANKS TO THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT! ALLELUIA! Soon after a delicious celebratory lunch, it was time for final farewells and well-wishes. My "buddy" helped me with my luggage to our convent in Nablus Road, bless her!  When we had deposited it, we decided to cross over the road and visit "The Garden Tomb" where Protestants commemorate the Burial of Jesus and the Resurrection. There is a cliff face with what looks like a skull, an excavated tomb and a quiet, peaceful garden. So ends my journal of an unforgettable month at Ecce Homo, Jerusalem. Love to all, Jo.  fmm ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jo McG...    To: N... Sent: Saturday, 27 April 2013, 8:30 Subject: Fw: group photo Dear N........ I just received these and forward them to you so you can save them for me and send them or one good one to the others Many thanks! All goes well here. God bless! Love to all, Jo. fmm --- Date: Saturday, 27 April, 2013, 1:51 From: cheryl d.... Subject: group photo Hi all, I hope all are well and back safely; to those who are still travelling enjoy all opportunities and keep safe. I have attached the group photos that I had on my camera. . . . I'm hoping to use photos for my prayer with work colleagues on Monday, so I'm busily sifting thorough them now-  I will forward photos on as I think appropriate. Bernadette thanks for you lovely e.mail - I'm onto the photo task as I had promised. I hope all is going well in Ecco Homme as you prepare for the next group. take care blessings Cheryl x