We left the ship this morning and took a bus into the countryside to what is reputed to be the house where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, resided in her later years. This was before her Assumption into Heaven. She lived there and was cared for by St. John the Apostle. Some dispute this theory, but it is still revered as a Holy site and it was very moving to think that we were standing in the home where the Mother of Jesus once lived. Very little but the foundation was found when the site was discovered, and the rest of the home was reconstructed. But it is thought to be as original as can be. After viewing the home, we were directed to another building where we had Mass. What an overwhelming experience. . . To participate in a Holy Rite of the church on the site where Jesus’ mother lived. Father Zach does such a great job of making any place we have Mass a reverent experience and he slides right into the role of priest from being a traveler like the rest of us. He is a gifted leader. Mass has been one of the highlights of this pilgrimage for me.

Then it was on to the ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Ephesians from the Bible. These are ruins of course, but they were massive. It is a working archeological site and they show the boundaries of where buildings were and how the village was organized. These places are thousands of years old. The “Library” at Ephesus is actually one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Much of the facade is still standing. It is quite impressive. It is so hard to imagine what life was like back then, but we do get some insights by studying where they lived and worked.

Once we left there, we went back to the boat for lunch.

We then sailed to the island of Patmos and the ancient site of the “Cave of the Apocalypse.” It is thought that this is where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. There are a couple rooms built in front of the cave, but it is definitely a “cave” space behind those rooms.

Further on to the top of the hill sits the Monastery of St. John the Divine. This is also very old, but additions have been added throughout the centuries. There are some relics here including skulls of two saints. After viewing these, we made our way into the museum, which was small, but had many significant artifacts including some books that were printed on animal hides and some parchment.

These sites are almost all up high on a hill in order to keep invaders out. It is an interesting idea, but then they had a long, strenuous walk to get up there.

Till next time. . .

Dale