Well, we’ve finally reached the end of the road for this pilgrimage. Hopefully the next one will be soon. Maybe you’ll join me (or I’ll join you.) I wasn’t sure that I would be able to write a final blog entry, but I am sitting in the Zurich airport waiting to fly to Vienna, so I thought I’d try to get one more out while I can. Let me just say that I have thoroughly enjoyed writing for you. I actually have despised writing all my life (perhaps it was the writing punishments I received as a kid), but I’m glad that I was able to chronicle this pilgrimage for you (and me.)

Dominus Flavit

I actually visited this church twice in the last few days. It is at the spot where Jesus is believed to have cried over the impending destruction of Jerusalem. It is on the Mount of Olives, just a little way up from the Church of Gethsemane. Barluzzi (remember him, one of my new favorite architects) designed it in the shape of a teardrop. The altar used to face east, but now it faces west, with a clear window behind it so that you can look out onto the Old City of Jerusalem. It definitely has one of the best views of any churches in the Holy Land.

Old City Walls

As you may know, the city of Jerusalem is famous for its walls. They have had such a storied history, being built and rebuilt countless times (well, someone’s probably counted.) Now, one can walk the top of the wall. I did it yesterday, trying to get it in before the end of my time in Jerusalem. You enter at the Jaffa Gate, which is on the west side of the Old City. You can then go south around the city or go north around the city. I hoped to go all the way around, starting north, but eventually, after an hour, I got to the Temple Mount and could go no farther. I went back to the Jaffa Gate, stopping at 4:55 to make a quick sketch. This meant I got to the gate at 5:04, right after the exit was locked. I eventually made it off the wall, but I had to go another 10 minutes back to find an exit only.

Being on top of the wall gives one a good view of the city, but most of the high profile churches and other buildings in the Old City are not near the walls. It was worth the trip, but I would not recommend doing it one the last afternoon when you are short for time.

Pater Noster

This is a church further up from Dominus Flavit. It is at the spot some believe to be where Jesus taught the Our Father to His disciples. It is a nice, simple church and complex, with the Our Father in scores of languages on big mosaic tile displays.

The Lutheran Church

There is a Lutheran church and hospital that sits on the highest point in Jerusalem. It was a trek, but my friend John and I made it up there. Then we scaled the bell tower and were treated to an amazing view for miles and miles in every direction. You’ll just have to believe, since I have not really been posting pictures.

Russian Orthodox Mary Magdalene Church

This church is also near Dominus Flavit (see a pattern?) It has gorgeous painting and icons inside and is only open for four hours a week. We made it to get in and see. It was very nice. It is called the Onion Church because it has five or six gold onion shaped domes.

Well, I am running out of time on my internet connection, so I’ll send this off. Again, I have really enjoyed writing this blog and I am so very thankful that you were willing to take the time to read some of it. I hope you learned a lot and that you too will one day be blessed to visit this (I mean that) wonderful Land.

Stay close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pray for Christ’s peace to reign in the Holy Land. Pray for vocations. And let us pray for each other. May God bless us all. Bye.