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
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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
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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
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----- 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 ---
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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
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