Holy places

The Sea of Galilee

This first century boat was typical of the fishing boats
used in the time of Christ.

On this trip to Israel, I’ve seen a lot of history, but nothing has more meaning, for me, than seeing the history of my faith come alive.

The Sea of Galilee is a special place for Catholics and the banks of the small body of water have witnessed some profound moments – namely the timeless teachings and fantastic miracles of Christ.

First up, I went to Bet Yigal Alon Museum at Kibbutz Ginnosar to view remains of a first century wooden sailing vessel found in Sea of Galilee. For some reason, the wooden craft was quickly covered in mud - probably from heavy rains - 2000 years ago, thus preserving it. Otherwise, a normal wooden boat would decay rapidly at the bottom of a lake.

Next up was Tabgha. The small area holds three significant places for Christians.

The Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of
Galilee. This is the traditional spot believed to be the
place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

The First is the Mount of the Beatitudes – the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount. It has a Great view of the Sea of Galilee.

Next I went to the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. The church dates from around the fifth century when the Byzantines built there.

Then I went to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. This is where Jesus told Peter he was the rock on which Christ would build his Church. There is also a rock inside the church that is known as Mensa Christi (Christ's Table) where the Byzantines believed Christ ate with his disciples.

A Byzantine mosaic lines the floor inthe apse of the Church
of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes.

A close up of the mosaic.

Afterward, I went to Kursi, reputed to be the place where Jesus cast demons out of a man and into a pig (Mark 5:1-13). There are ruins there of a beautiful fifth century Byzantine monastery and church. There is a small chapel up the hill where the casting out is said to have happened.

Jenna Murphy of Salt and Light Television prays
at the Mensa Christi.

The fifth century Byzantine monastery.

The Byzantine chapel where tradition
holds Christ cast out the demons.