 |  |
1999 - online version
BETHLEHEM - NAZARETH 2000 |
|
By Prof. Daniel W. Casey, Jr Professor of Biblical Interpretation and Archeology Scholar in residence at Tantur Ecumenical Institute "And happy the pilgrims inspired by God with courage to make the Ascents!" (Ps. 84:5.) As we count down to the Year 2000, Christian pilgrims will be "inspired by God to make the Ascents" to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth to celebrate the designated 2000th anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ. BETHLEHEM 2000 In March, 1997, the Bethlehem 2000 Project was established with the stated vision of marking the Birth of Jesus Christ in this humble Judean town: "And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel" (Matt. 2:6; cf. Micah 5:2). This will be a celebration of major importance and utmost significance not only for the people of Bethlehem together with the twin towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, but indeed for all Christians and peoples throughout the entire world. The present-day Manger Square, in front of the Basilica of the Nativity, has been resurfaced with patterned paving stones, creating a pleasant and spacious gathering area. Supplanting the former Palestinian Police Station, abutting the Manger Square, will be a new Museum of Local Art, as well as a Civic Peace Center, serving the needs of pilgrims. Other ongoing major investment projects are: 1) renovating Suleiman Jaser’s Palace (built in the 1910's) into an exquisite 250 room tourist resort called Jaser’s Palace Hotel-Bethlehem Intercontinental; 2) a 60 acre tourist attraction at "Solomon’s Pools" (two pools dating back to the Herodian era, and a third pool to 1660 AD) with an historic village embracing an 84-store complex showcasing Palestinian handicrafts, and a pool converted into an outdoor concert hall with a 8,000 person capacity; and finally 3) a shopping mall with extensive parking for tourist buses. As the brochure of the Bethlehem 2000 Project states: "... the Palestinian people wish to affirm that there is room in their hearts and in their land for all those who share a vision of peace and for a more just world for all." |
|
NAZARETH 2000 The other hallmark venue for Christian pilgrimage in 2000 will be Nazareth, the little village where Jesus grew up, and of prime focus for pilgrimages in the approaching millennium year. This Galilean village also unveiled plans two years ago to undertake an ambitious facelifting. Especially affected are Nazareth’s Old City and her Market. Mary’s Well, located just below ancient Nazareth is receiving an entirely "new look". In addition, a ring of devotional "observation points," forming a promenade overlooking Nazareth, are being constructed as appropriate "prayer overviews" for the anticipated 3 to 6 million pilgrims. Also, an archeological excavation of a farming village, from the early Roman Period, illuminating daily life in New Testament times, is being restored as a showcase for Nazareth 2000. This enhanced dig, encompassing both dry farming (dependent on rainfall) and wet farming (watered by irrigation) techniques, has preserved and restored ancient agricultural terraces, 3 massive watch towers, shone-hewn irrigation channels, a still-functional double wine press, and olive crushers. The archeological site is within 300 meters of the center of ancient Nazareth. The import of this vital endeavor, termed Nazareth Village Farm Excavation, underlies the sobering reality that this is the one of the few sites remaining in Jesus’ boyhood town which ret any original topography and authentic terrain! This single-family farm remains a most genuine witness to the every-day rural life of the 1st century Nazarenes. In all probability, Jesus’ childhood and adolescent years would have been spent with fellow workers in similar fields periodically harvesting the seasonal crops. The rest of the time, Jesus’ main livelihood was as a stone and wood artisan, like that of his step-father, Joseph. Certainly Jesus’ varied spectrum of agricultural and pastoral imagery in his impacting parables would have been grounded in such real experiences of farming sites like this 1st century village farm. The main focus of the proposed Nazareth Village will be a spacious Visitors’ Center, where the life and teachings of Jesus will be illuminated in dramatic ways,, including interactive exhibits, dynamic environments, and state-of-the-art media presentations. This meticulously researched and refurbished site will replicate the Galilean village where Jesus spent his first 30 "hidden years." Here, the modern-day pilgrim will be able to take a "time-warp" journey back into Jesus’ Greco-Roman Galilean culture, and thereby witness the words and works of Jesus through the eyes and ears of his 1st century colleagues. This Nazareth Village will "freeze-frame" the movie of Nazareth, and provide a graced insight into Nazareth’s rich biblical heritage. A transforming place to help inaugurate your Jubilee Year 2000! The Millennium Year is almost upon us. The principal celebrations during this Year of Grace will take place on the very sites sanctified by our Lord, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem. Commencing in Bethlehem with a Pontifical Midnight Mass, each month throughout the year 2000 will celebrate the event of the Lord’s life, culminating with the closure of the Great Jubilee at Bethlehem with another Pontifical Liturgy on the Solemnity of Epiphany, January 6, 2001. What more graced activity could you desire than to come and explore this HOLY GROUND - the Land of the Holy One, Jesus. The Land of the "holy ones" - the peoples of this Land. The Land where pilgrim-Christians come - Our Holy Ground. We’re standing on holy ground. For the Lord is present, And where He is, is holy. |
US$ 10.00 for one year
US$ 20.00 for promoter
US$ 25.00 for benefactor
You need more information?
Send an E-Mail to : Franciscan Printing Press - fpp@p-ol.com
 Please fill in our Guest book form - Thank you for supporting us! Created / Updated Monday, December 20, 1999 at 12:07:46 by John Abela ofm This page is best viewed with Netscape at 640x480x67Hz - Space by courtesy of Christus Rex |
 |
 |