...some pics, out and about in Nazareth!

Here are some pics of the Renewal of Wedding Vows at Cana, and the Church of the Annunciation,

Main entrance to the Church of the Annunciation with Don, Mickey and Richard

Church of the Annunciation

Fr. Leo leading the Renewal of Wedding Vows at Cana

The happy couples with Fr. Leo! From l-r; Bill, Sarah, Don, Trish, Cecilia, Rupert, Olive and Richard

Another busy day, starting with Mass on Mount Tabor, scene of the Transfiguration, culminated, just now, with a celebration drinking Cana wine on our terrace overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Four couples Renewed their Wedding Vows on the site of the first miracle, where Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast, celebrated in Cana some two thousand years ago.
After lunch, we visited the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is filled with works of art, from all over the world, depicting the Virgin Mary. It was incredible to see how she is perceived so differently. We then walked the back streets of Nazareth to the Church of St. Gabriel, containing Mary's Well, a spring from which the Holy Family would have taken their water. Here are some pics!

Mass at the Transfiguration Church

Mosaic on the wall of the Chapel

View from Mount Tabor

As you will have gathered, it is extremely hot here. I am afraid that I had to abandon taking photographs on this computer at the Mount of Temptation, and at our Mass on the Shores of the Sea of Galilee, for fear of damaging it. Here are some more pics. Check out Masada on Google - it is very interesting! Tomorrow we are in Nazareth, so I will update you in the evening. Love Rina

Camels grazing in the Negev Desert

The "balconies" of the Masada Fortress, with the Dead Sea in the background

At the top of the Masada Fortress

You might think that we have been spending all of our time riding camels and the like. Well, you are wrong! This pilgrimage has been really exhausting for most of the group, although, without exception, everyone has found it a most profound experience. Here are some more pics!

Outside Holy Sepulchre Church

Fr. Leo leading the Rosary at the Dormition Abbey

Mass taken by Fr. Jean-Patrice at Bethany Church

Renewal of Baptismal Promises where Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan. Temperatures soared to 33 C, and then went up to 38 C at the Dead Sea. Many pilgrims were in the water! 

Some more pics of  the Bedouin Camp!

The main course!

Trish and Alec getting unpacked in our tent

Sunrise this morning in the Negev Desert

Hero Zak with mad dogs who later ravaged Alice's scarf!

You will all be relieved to know that we have arrived safe, and sound, at the Monastery of the Multiplication of the Loaves at Tabgha, which is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
We stayed last night at a Bedouin Camp in the Negev Desert which was quite an experience. We are equally divided as to whether we enjoyed it or not. Personally, I found riding a camel extremely painful, and had the indignity of asking the camel driver to let me off the camel, shortly after he had succeeded in getting me on. The camel was very upset about it all! I didn't sleep at all, but some had the best night's sleep, ever!
For those who chose to stay up chatting, it was a truly frightening experience. About 11.30 pm, a scorpion was spotted trying to enter the tent!!! Quick thinking Zak, managed to kill it, and throw it on the fire. Barriers were erected at the entrance to the tent, and those who had seen the beast, ended up sleeping on top of tables, and in hammocks.
The one thing that we all agreed on, was that the food was fantastic! Here are some 'photos.

Fr. Jean-Patrice and Theresa

Fr. Dominic, Bill, Sarah (Fr. Leo's sister), and Fr. Leo