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

Menology. Nunraw May Memorials

   

Nunraw Abbey Cemetery 1st May 2013
'Receive them into the arms of mercy, into the blessed rest of peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light.'

   

OCSO

Menology

for the

Month

of

May

Nunraw, May Memorials.

Brother Ninian Charles McCafferty

born 11 October 1915

entered 1 November 1952

professed 8 May 1958

died 8th May 1991

Brother Ailbe Egan

Born 5 January 1916

Entered Roscrea 8 September 1933

Solemn Profession 17 March 1939

Co-founded Nunraw Nunraw 1946

Died 14 May 1956

Brother Ailbe Stephen Egan,

5 January 1916 - 14 May 1956

Brother Columba Joseph Tierney

Born 3 June 1923

Entered 2 February 1947

Professed 7 August 1953

Died 23rd May 1985

                        MAY 1

Bernard Von Der Lippe + 1224

Knight, husband and father, he became a crusader and later, entrusting his wife and younger children to his eldest son, he entered Marienfeld. Subsequently, he was elected abbot of Dunamunde and appointed bishop of Selburg. His son, bishop of Utrecht, consecrated him and soon together they consecrated another son, Gerard, bishop of Bremen. Until his final days, he worked tirelessly for his people.

Martin Felderer + 1868

Monk of Stams, in Tyrol, a man of great candor of soul, gentle and courageous.

MAY 2

St Mafalda + 1265

Living in the milieu of a royal court, entering into a political marriage which was later annulled, Mafalda, like her sisters Teresa (June 17) and Sancha   (March 13), experienced the call to give herself completely to Christ and entered the Cistercian monastery of Arouca. Cheerfulness and deep prayer were especially the marks of her sanctity. The Church of 13th century Portugal owes much to her and her sisters for their dedication to Christ in the poor and suffering.

MBS, pp. 136-138

Candidus of St Bernard Furlong + 1616

Irish, he went to Spain and entered the monastery of Nogales. He was later sent back to Ireland, where he preached the gospel with much success.

MAY 3

Bl Alexander + 12th century

            A nephew of the king of Scotland, who was childless, he was heir to the throne. Through the encouragement of his sister, he relinquished his earthly crown for Christ and became a lay-brother at the abbey of Foigny in France. Only on his death bed did he reveal his noble birth and went to be crowned by Christ with eternal glory.

 MBS, p. 135

Malachy Shial + 1642

While he was ministering in the parish attached to the monastery of St Mary of Newry, he was seized by Protestant soldiers and hanged from the beams of a wooden bridge.

MAY 4

Walter + 12th century

Lay-brother of Melrose, Scotland. He was    especially close to his abbot, St Waldef, and spent most of his religious life serving in the guest house which, at that time, was a hospice for the poor and sick. In response to his prayers, God often multiplied bread to feed the poor.

MBS, pp. 138-140