Pilgrimage on the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary

On Saturday, September 8, the Universal Church celebrated the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary. The last summer meeting with the Filipino kids was a trip to the Church of St. Anne’s. After a nice walk through the Russian Compound and the Old City, the group of 12 pilgrims arrived at the Church. They were warmly welcomed by Father Peter from England – one of the Missionaries of Africa. These priests, also called “the White Fathers” came to Jerusalem in 1887. One of their present activities is taking care of the Basilica, because there are many pilgrims who visit the sanctuary. On certain days there can be more than 3 000.

A visit to St Anne's and the Pool of Bethesda is practically a 'must' for anybody who comes to Jerusalem on pilgrimage. There are the excavations of Bethesda beside the Basilica; it is the place where, according to the Gospel of Saint John, chapter 5, Christ healed a paralytic. One can still see the remains of the pools.

The most important site is the 12th century Basilica. It is famous for its sober lines and its astonishing acoustics. Sometimes, choirs provide concerts here where people can appreciate the exceptional resonance. There are also groups of pilgrims who come to celebrate Mass in this famous sanctuary. The Crypt attracts many for a quiet moment of personal prayer. Just as at the Western Wall (Wall of Lamentations), some people place prayer intentions here also, written on a piece of paper, sliding them into the cracks of the wall or into a basket.

Fathers Peter and Piotr patiently answered all the questions about the place and the congregation of the Missionaries of Africa. Then we descended into the crypt where according to tradition the Blessed Mother was born. The kids wanted to sing “Happy Birthday” in Hebrew, so we stopped at the famous icon of the Birth of the Virgin. Upstairs, in the church we listened to a short concert of two charismatic choirs and took a picture with the statue of young Mary with her mother, St. Anne.

The walk back to the New City was difficult, but our little pilgrimage reminded us that we love Mary for being the Mother of Jesus. Thanks to all participants and helpers.