It seems most of us were up and about before sunrise. Being close to the equator, sunrise and sunset are consistently within a half-hour window. Very predictable … unless it’s overcast. But today begins with a glorious sunrise. Photo taken from my bedroom window a little after 6:30 AM.

The local weather on my phone app indicates Capernaum or Kfar Nakhum. I imagine fishermen rising before dawn and returning to shore by sunrise. It’s a freshwater lake 166 square kilometers, 13 x 21 km with an average depth of 84 ft.

Our guest master George let us know they make provision for anyone who simply must go swimming in the lake. Crazy pilgrim requests, I suppose. I imagine some request to be baptized again at the site of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.

We hit the road for Nazareth at 8:45 AM after a hearty breakfast. Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation. Then to Cana for a Renewal of Vows for our married couples. It seems most got a good night’s sleep. I’ll be reporting on the day’s adventures when we return to Pilgerhaus for dinner this evening. Looking forward to everything the day holds for us. And I take with me to all the holy sites the prayer intentions of my people at Christ the King in Abingdon and St. John the Evangelist in Marion. Message me at fr.rolo@gmail.com if you have prayer intentions I can take.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

The Sea of Galilee from Pilgerhaus balcony around 8:00 AM.

Rolo B Castillo © 2023