Mass at St. Savior (visit w Franciscan Friars)

After traveling back to Jerusalem from the Dead Sea, we celebrated Mass at St. Savior where Fr. Brian reminded us of the need for fresh flowing water (Jesus) to give life. Then Fr. Athanasius McCora shared insights into the efforts of Christians, the crisis of leadership, and the financial struggles to keep Holy Places as churches rather than museums.

Dead Sea - floating

Dead Sea adventures began after a Mediterranean buffet lunch and shopping for mud, minerals, and creams that would make us more attractive. Many pilgrims ventured into the cool waters to feel the dark, slimy clay and experience free-floating in salty waters.

Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls

Qumran, located on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea became famous due to the Essenes Jewish sect (second century B.C.) who left in the caves a magnificent legacy that we now call the Dead Sea Scrolls. The first discovery began in 1947 when Bedouin shepherds found seven ancient scrolls.

Massada

We boarded the bus to the Dead Sea area of Israel. We recited morning prayer while we traveled and learned the history and terrain of the area. The plateau of Masada, a National Park, is located on the eastern fringe of the Judean Desert near the shore of the Dead Sea between En Gedi and Sodom. Its remote location and natural defenses transformed it into a fortress. King Herod (40-4BC) constructed palaces and fortifications as a desert retreat. In AD 66 the Zealots captured Masada from the Romans at the start of the First Jewish Revolt. Eventually the Romans besieged Masada with 15,000 men while the Jewish Zealots and families numbered 967. When the Romans breached the wall of the western mountainside, they found everyone dead, except for one woman and her children. All others chose death over defeat and dishonor. A potent symbol for the state and people of Israel, Israeli soldiers are sworn in here with the words, “Masada shall not fall again.” Although most visitors reach the mountain top by cable-car with magnificent views, two of our younger pilgrims chose to hike the Snake Path to the top in record time.