On the shores of Gaililee

Migdal - Among the congregations and churches looking to have a place in Galilee is the Legion of Christ (yes, that Legion!) The have charge of Notre Dame in Jerusalem, just outside the city walls. This is a Pontifical Institute: a large conference centre, hotel, chapel, restaurant and cafe. It seems to cater to rich Americans and Europeans. They do do a good capuchino though!

Their latest project is another centre on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. However, while beginning excavations for the foundations the workmen discovered archeological remains (not a great surprise really). According to Israeli law, work must stop until the archeologists discern whether it is an important find. If not, it is excavated and then buried again. If it is, it must be protected. All the cost of this excavation etc is covered by whoever is building!

They discovered a 1st century CE synagogue on their site. Which has been excavated and protected - and now construction is in full swing to complete the hotel complex the Legion is building.

The Synagogue

A replica of the 'table' found. It is supposed that the Torah rested on this

The Villa unearthed in the complex

Close up of the mikveh - ritual bath - complete with water!

The Chapel

Altar and view of the Sea of Gaililee

Interior of the dome - detail of Our Lady of Guadalupe (the Legion began in Mexico)

Judas Iscariot. Unusually he's included - sans halo - with the other apostles

St James (I might see him soon)

The Altar and lectern. You can't see it but there is an eternity pool on the other side of the glass that stretches out toward the Sea of Galilee. The green marble gives the illusion the altar floats

Mosaic of the call of Peter and Andrew

The next day we went out on the Sea of Galilee - fortunately for us there were no storms! We had Mass on the boat which drifted around while it was on and the crew talked on their mobiles or read the newspaper - they were Moslems.

About to go for a walk on the water!

Tiberias

Tiberius