The formal part of the day started with reading in preparation for our sessions with the Gospel of matthew which start in earnest next week and then some free time.
I went off to find a supermarket to get some pre-wash so that my shirts are clean and on the way back met a group of fellow pilgrims. As we wandered along we met another group and then we all went to the Jaffa Gate where we spent some time before heading back to Ecce Homo for lunch.
After lunch I put out the washing from this morning and then we headed for the Lion's Gate to catch the bus to Ein Karem. We met up with Dr Pol Vonck, a White Father, who was to be our guide. When we arrived we went to the Church of the Visitation which had 67 language versions of the Magnificat on the wall outside the Church, inside the Church was quite beautiful and peaceful with a crypt beneath the main building.
From there we walked to the Church of St John, traditionally described as the place of his birth. a little different but equally beautiful and this time with 20+ (I forgot to count) versions of the Benedictus in different languages.
From there we went to the Sisters of Sion Convent and after a brief welcome and introduction to the house and its work we were free to wander round and experience the absolute peacefulness of the centre. I didn't get a chance to visit the Chapel of the Contemplative Community who live there but I was peace filled already.
I had been asked to be the celebrant of the Mass so over the past few days I'd worked with people and used the prayers and readings of the Feast of the Visitation. The Mass was quite lovely and I managed to insert something of myself and my life into the Homily and everything seemed to go well.
After Mass we enjoyed a lovely meal and then it was back to Ecce Homo where we all need an early night as we are off early to go to Bethlehem - leaving here at 7.15 so life in the morning is going to be quick.
No comments:
Post a Comment