Notre Dame Arche D'Alliance
In the western part of Abu Gosh the highest peak
can be seen, 2,270 feet (756 meters) above sea level. It is hard to
see this peak from the surrounding areas due to the density of tall
pine trees. These are ‘Jerusalem Pines’ that grow naturally (they
are not planted). They are unique due to their huge trunk and dense
treetop, hiding the homes beneath them.
The road to the peak is a narrow and winding, it
ends at a huge iron gate. A small bell to the left of the gate will
call your hostess, a nun, who will accompany you during your tour.
The length and content of your tour will depend upon your ability to
strike up an active conversation and ask questions.
There are two main buildings. The large one the
left serves as the nuns’ living quarters and the church is on the
right. The yard is exceptionally clean and orderly, shaded by tall
pines. Next to the church, there are some benches where you can sit
and enjoy an exceptional view of Jerusalem.
Every year, during the holiday of Succot,
there is a vocal music festival here. Thousands of music lovers fill
the area surrounding the church where groups of men and women sit and
sing. The performances are held in the hall of the church, which is
known for its acoustic quality.
The hill at the top of Abu Gosh Village, is
identified by locating Kiryat Yearim, which is mentioned in religious
contexts a number of times. During the battles between the Tribes
of Israel and the Philistines to gain control of Judah, the
Philistines finally succeeded and captured the Ark of the Covenant
taking it to Ashdod (Samuel 1, chapter 4, and
verse 22). After seven months of troubles and epidemics, the
Philistines decided to return the Holy Ark to Israel. The Ark was
taken to the house of Avinadav and his son Eliezer “on the hill”
at Kiryat Yearim (Samuel 1, chap.7,
verse 1). Avinadav’s family guarded the Ark for about fifty years
and their house became a Holy Jewish Center in the Land of Israel.
Finally, King David relocated the Ark to the Temple that he built in Jerusalem (Samuel 2, chap.6, verse 2).
According to Christian tradition, the Hill of
Kiryat Yearim was sanctified and during the Byzantine
period a church was built there, and destroyed during the Persian
occupation in 614. Visitors to the site can see the remains of
the church. In 1924, the present church and convent were rebuilt
under Catholic jurisdiction and are called – Sisters of St. Joseph
of the Apparition.
Emily de Villar established the Order, in 1843 in
France, and it commemorates Joseph’s apparition of the angel. (Matthew,
Chap 2, verse 13). In 1848, the Order came to Israel at the
invitation of the Patriarch so that he could take the first school of
the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem under his patronage. This was the
first women’s Catholic Order that came to The Holy Land in present
times. The Order has 15 convents all over Israel and its sisters work
in schools, children’s nurseries and clinics.
To get to the convent, go along the main road in
Abu Gosh, 800 yards (meters) towards the east from the gas station
and Elvis Presley statues, passing the Jewish neighborhood, Kiryat
Yearim. Continue on the road for 400 yards (meters) and on the right
you will see (eastwards) an old British Police station. Turn left
(westwards) according to the sign toward the church.
The church is open to visitors Mondays through
Saturdays between 8:30 AM -11:30 AM and 14:30 PM -17:00 PM.
Sources: Copyright � 2000 Gems
in Israel All rights reserved. Reprinted
with Permission. |