Part One. Two familiar sites for Jesus, the Apostles and Mary – the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion.
Jesus ascended into heaven from the top of the Mount of Olives. He had always been on the ground with his disciples but this day he lifted off the ground and the last thing they saw was the bottom of his sandals as he disappeared into a cloud (which represents the glory of God).
We visited the Church of Pater Noster with over 160 copies of the Our Father on the walls in different languages. He taught them to pray in a cave near the church. This is a favorite site.
It was on Mount Zion that Mary experienced her Dormition before being assumed into heaven. The Upper Room is on Mount Zion where three of our Seven Sacraments were instituted: the priesthood, the Eucharist and Reconciliation. It was also where Pentecost took place. Mary was there to be part of the Birth of the Body of Christ, the Church.
It is always a bit disquieting to hear a rooster crow when we visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, which means “where the cock crowed.” It was here that Peter denied Our Lord in front of a charcoal fire. It was also where Jesus was tried before the High Priest Caiaphas and kept in the cistern prison over Holy Thursday night.
So much more I could say but the video will help understand the rest.
Pilgrimage Day 8, Part II
The most common question I get is: “Is it safe to go to the Holy Land?” The answer, as you will see in this video clip is a resounding YES!
, click HERE. In this video we address the question of safety in the Holy Land.