VIA DOLOROSA

We entered the old city of Jerusalem through St. Stephen’s also known as the Lion’s Gate. It was rebuilt in the 16th century as entrance to St Stephen’s Monastery. We were briefed about the pools of Bethesda then entered the Basilica of St Anne, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. We followed the Via Dolorosa towards Golgotha. I carried the cross thrice: third, sixth and eleventh stations. The place was then a very busy marketplace of souvenir items

At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher we attended mass then I knelt in front of the marble slab where Jesus Christ was supposedly prepared for burial. We entered the tomb. During the walk I could feel that it was happening again and I was there.

We took a good Chinese lunch then we motored to Mt. Zion and visited the Coenaculum, the room of the Last Supper and the Pentecost.

Finally we visited the Dominon Abbey, traditionally believed to be the place where the Blessed Mary “fell asleep” and was assumed into heaven.

After dinner we attended a Cultural Show. The Tzabarem Foklore Ensemble. It was performed by the youth but wasn’t very impressive.