Post 3.Day 2 - Basilica of Annunciation/Joseph's Home

Mother Mary

Israel had a special charm altogether. There was no color; just limestone buildings lined with black rich soil ready for Agriculture.There was no fencing and locals stayed on top of hills in olden days to protect themselves from attack of other tribes and also to get good air.Agriculture in Israel was mostly in Tabor also called Taboria.

Languages spoken - Arabic, Hebrew and English.

Basilica of Annunciation

Upper level of Church of Annunciation

The Church/Basilica of the Annunciation is operated by the Franciscan custody since 1730. On excavations, byzantine and crusader ruins of the three storied church was found.

Roof of the mezzanine level of Basilica

The great dome of the Church is designed like the inverted petals of a Lily with letter M inscribed on it for Mother Mary.

Inverted Lily dome

 The root of the Lily faces heaven and the shadow of the grotto below symbolising that God’s grace is upon mankind.

Paintings of Mother  Mary from different Countries

The grotto is in the basement and it is said to be the exact spot where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she is the chosen one to be the Mother of Jesus, Son of God.

 Grotto where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mother Mary

The main altar is in front of the Holy grotto surrounded by the ruins of the byzantine and crusader church. Climb up a flight of spiral stairs from the mezzanine above the grotto, we walk through a dark passage marked with colorful mosaic paintings and stain glass window houses.

Stain glass painting

The main church is spacious, decorated with mosaic paintings of Mother Mary and Stain glass windows and a portrait of Christ extending his hand to everyone saying “come to me and I will give you rest”

"Come to me and I will Give you rest"

What was I thinking, what did I pray?

I stepped in to the courtyard of the church with the attitude of a tourist, scrutinizing the architecture, posing in front of the Mother Mary paintings, looking at other tour groups, camera round the neck, winter wear to protect from the chilly wind. We entered the church and stepped down to the grotto of Mother Mary’s annunciation.

There has been no other unseen person as influential and life changing as Mother Mary. And to stay on the same spot where she stood and I visualized how angel Gabriel would have appeared before her. How scared she would've felt when the angel said she is going to bear the son of God.

Statue of Joesph

Joseph's church

Glass Painting

Metal work on door of the Basilica

Statues of Angels in the garden

Statue Joesph and Jesus at Joseph's church

Cave

I yearned to carry the Son of God in his second coming, if it ever had to happen. Well we are all Greedy to have what we don’t deserve but no harm in the desire.

I prayed for Everyone who suffered from Sickness, poor health, children, poor, suffering in family life, all who were looking for jobs , financial issues and asked for goodness, well being, health, happiness, peace and as always requested Mother Mary to intercede for me.

Garden

I slyly grinned at Jesus, “Now you don’t have a choice but listen “

We walked to Joseph’s house into the caves, cold limestone walls, stone vessels, wells where Mother Mary used to fill water from another well near town miles away.

Both the churches were maintained amazingly well with flower gardens and statues.

We had a long day ahead with Galilee and many places where Jesus performed miracles ...But i promise you wont have to wait as long as my long day ahead for the next post