JerusalemApr 24, 2012
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| Wellwe have finally made it to the Holy City. Along the way to Jerusalem from Tiberius. We're able to venture through Ceaseria by the sea, created by Hereod the Great and have a quick splash in the Meditaranian Sea and it was wonderful. But here I am in the city of Jerusalem and what an amazing place. We have shopped in Bethlehem, which was so expensive, beyond our budget for this we liked, but we did get a few nick nacks. We are looking forward to our visit to the old city today to purchase more cheaper versions! We have ventured to the shepherds fields where we had mass in one of the caves and looked at the beautiful church shaped like a tent, visited the church of John the baptist and the the Visitation. We have just yesterday been at the Chirch of the Nativity and visited the cave of Jesus' birth and next and kissed the star over this Holy spot. The church was amazing. It is so decrepit and run down as they can not agree on any rendering etc... But the beautiful iconic work of the Greek Orthadox adorned the main entrance and altar area. It was incredible to walk through the small door of humility and then down the steps into the cavern below the altar where the mangers and birthplace stands. Catrina and I spent this small time together and it was very special. We then visited St Catherine's next door. It was spectacular. The Francisicans have really worked on creating very special and ornate structures Niall the Holy Land places we have visited. It was immaculate compared to the Other quarters. We went below and visit the tomb of St Jerome, who translated the bible into Latin. The passages are so awesome. This was a very long and tiring day, but not entirely over. On arriving back at the motel we cleaned up, had dinner and then got on the bus to visit the 'shroud of Turin' presentation. Here we listened to a lovely guide who piece by piece retold the story of the shroud and it's history and studies. It was fascinating. She was very emotive and concise as well as been objective and informative. She left us with her our conclusions, etc... When she revealed the statue of the 3d image of the man in the shroud she sang a song- diary of Mary and it was very touching and evocative. I really enjoyed it. Not that my sceptisim of the shroud changed but my perception did. It doesn't really matter if your believe it is or isn't the body of Christ. What it does is help us to reflect on the pain and suffering of Christ and have a better understanding of the last moments before he was buried. I found this very eye opening and emotional. I loved it. Today we go to the garden of Gethsemane and I can hardly wait! |
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