Just another day in the seminary....

Probably an odd way to begin a pilgrimage post, but today it has some meaning.

Early this morning (5:00 am), my half of the class met the other half of the class as they arrived at the center. Needless to say, we were much more awake than they. But we remember yesterday!

It has been nice having the entire class together. In some ways, it brings back some familiarity to our experience here. Those of us who went to the Church of the Nativity yesterday were able to lead our brothers there today (by a much shorter path!).

While in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, we began the 33 day Total Consecration to Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort, which will finish the day of our visitation to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

When Eddie, Michael, and I returned from the Church of the Nativity and from doing a little shopping for essentials, we walked over to the edge of our property where we can see the foothills of the Judean desert. Eddie, commenting on how much we move from place to place in the seminary, said that it almost seems like it's just another day in the Seminary.



Of course, we know this is truly more than just another day.

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On another note, I've been learning how to be a photographer. As promised, some photos below. As I improve, so will the quality of my shots (especially in dark churches).

Inside the Church of the Nativity (Orthodox side)


Altar inside St. Jerome's cave where he translated the Bible into Latin


Blessed Sacrament chapel (Catholic Side)



Stained glass window in back of Church (Catholic side)