Pope revisits biblical history in Nazareth

The city of Nazareth is nestled in the hills of the Lower Galilee. It is the biggest and the most important Palestinian city. The old Canaanite name of Nazareth City is Abel. It was known in the past by Ain Abel, meaning the eye of the Virgin or the eye of life. This city is awaiting the Popes visit asking for his blessing and prayers for all Muslim and Christian residents to revive the deep feeling of fraternity, respect and love.Just like the rest of the Holy Land that is full of sanctuaries and sacred sites, Nazareth encompasses parishes of different churches and is enriched by the heritage of the Eastern and Western Christian traditions.It is the land of the Holy Family where the Angel Gabriel announced the great Mystery of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen its glory, the glory which he received as the Fathers only Son, full of grace and truth. In the city of Nazareth, Jesus lived with his mother Mary and St. Joseph.Pope Benedict will celebrate the Holy Mass on the Mount of the Precipice, south of Nazareth, and visit the Franciscan Community, as well as meet with the religious leaders of Galilee in the auditorium of the Basilica of the Annunciation. The Basilica was built between 1960-1969 upon what was believed to be the house of the Virgin. In the churchs lower level is the Grotto of Mary, where the Angel Gabriel, sent from God, told her that she will conceive a son, and name him Jesus. A permanent exhibit of colored mosaics depicting the Holy Family is on display at the Basilica.Pope John Paul II celebrated the Holy Mass here during his pilgrimage in 2000 on March 25th, marking the feast of the Annunciation. In the same church, Pope Benedict will pray Vespers in front of the congregation who gathered to welcome the Successor of Peter, praying for peace and love in the place where the Word became flesh for us.

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