Holy Land Pilgrimage 2011
August 29
The coach left at 7.30 for Mount Tabor. We drove part way up the mountain where we had to change to taxis as the road was too narrow and bendy for the bus to go all the way. There is a large basilica at the summit as there is everywhere else here. In contrast to many churches here this was very plainly decorated with large expanses of bare limestone. The simplicity of it's icons and paintings are an appropriate reminder of the story of the transfiguration which took place on this spot. As we looked down from the mountain we could see miles of green and fertile land which Jesus would have walked.
Moving on to Nazareth we came to the huge church of the Annunciation which is one of the most recent to be built (around 60 years). We prayed the Angelus and read the story of the Annunciation as the mid-day bells rang all around us. The church contains murals payed for by various countries. They very differently reflect the cultures of the sponsoring nations. There is one from the Walsingham Society and an intriguing Japanese mural - the most costly by far as it is made from mother of pearl. As Nazareth was a small village in bible times it has been fairly simple to identify the house and workshop of Mary and Joseph. These are now being further excavated as they are buried by more recent development. They are houses built over and around hillside caves as were many in bible times.
Lunch varied from the usual humus, bread, olives etc. starter followed by rice and kebabs as we had soup, pasta, delicious beef stew and fabulous home made macaroons. A trip through the soukh with the usual mass of goods on show and two men actually butchering sheeps carcasses as passers- by selected their cuts on the suspended flesh. We came to a small chapel which had formerly been a synogogue and would have been similar to one Jesus went to as a boy in that area.
Despite some cloud the temperature remaind high as we set off for Cana. Traffic was heavy and our guide told us that it would probably have been quicker by donkey in Jesus's day. Inside two couples in the party were able to renew their wedding vows to the congratulations and good wishes of their Pilgrim Friends. It was strange to finish the visit to the strains of the wedding march playing on the public address.
We were given the chance to sample Canan Wedding Wine at one of the many local stores/stalls to be found every where but most prolifically on the Pilgrim trail. The produce received mixed reviews but some trade was done.
The weather grew cloudier but remained clammy and warm back at the Hotel and many of us took the chance to dip our feet in the Sea of Galilee (enjoying a fish pedicure) or go for total immersion there or in the hotel pool.
As we sat quietly conversation turned to our many experiences and the sad realization that our time together is rapidly nearing an end.
We prayed for all couples today and will continue our Faith Journey with you all in our thoughts.
A Pilgrim
Photogallery
Click left or right arrows to move gallery : Click on image for larger picture
.