The Cenacle

After leaving the Tomb of Christ, we heard Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Basilica. Then we went to meet the Archbishop of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in the cathedral. Both churches we visited this morning had mosaics depicting Christ's life, His suffering, and that of the saints. The Patriachate of Jerusalem covers four areas: Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Cyprus. In January of this year, representatives of all groups met to confer. As of now, the groups are building an eighty house settlement for Christians to help persuade Christians to remain in the Holy Land. There are now only about 70,000 Catholics in all four states. I have to admit, I was close to dozing off during the speech! Our three groups took turns eating at a small restaurant. We were in the last group. In the meantime, we shopped at an area in the Old City. I wanted to buy some earrings, but they were $65. half-price! Lyle and I bought a few gifts to take back home. Lunch was wonderful! We had falafel -- chick peas ground up with lots of veggies and fried with a coating in a pita pocket. I want the recipe! After lunch, we got back on the bus and went to Mt. Zion where we toured the Church of the Dormition commemorating the "falling asleep" of the Virgin Mary was then assumed up into Heaven by Jesus' power. Since Lyle was tiring out, he stayed on the bus while I went with the group down hill to the Cenacle (upper room) where Jesus held His Last Supper. This place was the site of the first Eucharist, the establishment of the priesthood, and the descent of the Holy Spirit. The church in this spot was built in the 4th century but destroyed by the Persians, rebuilt by the Crusaders, and then turned into a mosque by the Muslims. The Franciscans rebuilt it in 1967. No Masses are allowed here. It is relevant to note that the earliest form of Christianity began in this room.