Our first stop today was the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, less than an hour from Pilgerhaus. We spent the major portion of the day walking the sacred site.

service entrance

lush palm trees on the path up to the basilica entrance

basilica entrance

succulents on either side of entrance

our group before entering

window grates

history of the basilica in 3 languages

images of the Blessed Virgin from various countries

bronze doors of the basilica

At the bronze doors of the basilica were bas reliefs depicting scripture passages and saints, some related to the place, others of people connected to Jesus’ life.

Once inside, we walked around and viewed the Grotto of the Annunciation, the spot believed to be where Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel to ask her cooperation in God’s plan of salvation.

altar in front of the Grotto

altar opposite bronze doors

steps leading to the Grotto

cupola above the main altar

almost directly under

Grotto of the Annunciation: HERE the Word became flesh

view of the far altar from the bronze doors

one of 12 crosses anointed at dedication

marble floor illusion away from Grotto, looks like descending steps

marble floor looking up to the far altar, still looks like descending steps

another cross anointed at dedication

From the lower basilica, we came to the upper basilica where we would celebrate the Mass of the Annunciation at 11:00 AM.

another group celebrating Mass when we arrived

more mosaics of Mary

mosaic of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears

We continued on to the Church of St. Joseph, a short walk from the basilica, and the home of the Holy Family.

homes on the hillside above courtyard

mosaic of Jerusalem cross in courtyard

up the steps looking back at the upper basilica

center aisle to main altar of Church of St. Joseph

painting of St. Joseph’s workshop

mosaic of the Holy Family below church

HERE he was obedient to them

We celebrated Mass at the main altar of the upper basilica. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here in 2000. A short reflection on the place and event: When God comes knocking and you say yes, prepare for turmoil and chaos. Those who oppose God’s ways will oppose you too. Be assured God will not leave you to face your troubles alone. Remember Thomas Merton’s prayer?

After lunch at the Casa Nova of Nazareth, a historic pilgrim guest house just opposite the basilica, we hit the road for Cana, a 20 minute ride.

statue of St. Joseph & the child Jesus in the lobby of Casa Nova

road markers as we headed out to Cana

residences along the route

olive trees on the hillside

At the Franciscan Church at Cana we invited married couples to renew their wedding vows, complete with photos at the altar and a celebratory “kiss the bride/groom.”

In the floor on one side of the church was a sign indicating a marker under the floor (visible through a glass pane).

Upon concluding the service of renewal of vows, we descended to the lower level where was enshrined a stone jar (not likely from the time of Jesus) which was used for ceremonial washing, where Jesus performed his first sign changing water into wine (120-180 gallons from six 20-30 gallon stone jars).

Remember Mary’s advice to the servants who waited instructions after she informed Jesus that “They have no wine.” Jesus retorted, “Woman, what does this have to do with me?” Speaking to the servants, she said, “Do whatever he tells you,” and walked away. She knew he wouldn’t let her down. And in that instant she inevitably sent her own Son to the cross.

Tomorrow we venture up to Kfar Nakhum and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Rolo B Castillo © 2023