Pilgrimage 2.0-7 : Passion
On Saturday, we entered the Old City of Jerusalem via the Lion's Gate. Sherry brought us there via an uncommon trail that traverses a Muslim cemetery. The Lion's Gate is not very wide and is paved with stones worn smooth from use. Behind it is the Muslim Quarter, where cars and motorcycles zip in and out at high speed. Tourists who block traffic are not welcome. These Muslims have stayed in the Old City for generations and don't mind making money off Christian pilgrims at all by opening religious merchandise stores. The first stop of the day was the Church of St. Anne , a medieval church that's very bare, very austere. The caretaker, a Missionaries of Africa priest, reprimanded visitors who talk in the church like a marketplace. But we were allowed to sing Marian hymns, taking full advantage of the excellent acoustics. Down in the crypt is the place where the Crusaders believed was the birthplace of Mother Mary. Outside is the ruins of medicinal pools. Vi...