Congregational Novitiate

Christian tradition associates Qasr al Yahud with the site of Jesus’ baptism by Matthew (Matthew 3) and it has been revered as such from at least the fourth century.

Alphonse’s Last Years

Returning to Jerusalem, Alphonse continued to consolidate the three works of Sion, Ecce Homo, Ein Kerem and St. Peter’s. In spite of being half-blind, often ill and crushed by the workload, he never lost confidence. He continued to draw inspiration from the fact that had been granted the privilege of ‘pitching his tent” in Jerusalem. He lived continually in Mary’s presence. News of Theodore’s death, 10th of January 1884, left Alphonse deeply saddened. With his own health declining and eyesight failing, he would sit alone in his small house looking towards Mary’s shrine in the garden of Ein Kerem. A few weeks before his death, he confided to Fr. Estrate, the revered superior general of the Sacred Heart of Betharram and Alphonse’s Spiritual Director, “I do not know why I, a poor sinner, not only do not fear death but long for it. My ardent wish is to die with the Memorare on my lips.” Alphonse also made this request to Father Estrate, “When I am on my death bed, do not suggest to me the invocations usually suggested to the dying. Say only one word, ‘Mary’. This word will penetrate the depths of my soul.” A few hours before his death which occurred on 6th of May 1884, Alphonse exclaimed, “Why are you killing me with medication? The blessed Virgin is calling me and I am ready. Just Mary! For me, she is everything. The Word, ‘Mary’, contains all.”

Actually Yad Vashem has two Museums.

The inside Museum where you can see, experience the facts of history. What was happening in Europe during world war II. The outside Museum, which  thoughes the heart the sentiment as you walk through the valley of the righteous, where carob tree  are planted in memory of the 25 000 righteous people. The Children Memorial, 5 candles and mirrors make flames of stars in remembrance of the 1.5 Million children which are remembered by their Names, age and country the where born in, day and night. The labyrinth  where all the villages around the world  are remembered where Jewish people lived and many villages are no more.

Our guide sayed, there where two kinds of Nazis, one kind that wanted to kill the Jews fast and immediately and others who used them as workforces. In 1942 the decision was made to kill all Jews in Europe and it went as far as Nord-Africa. There where six dead camps all of them in Poland. And many labour camps all in Europe even going as far as Russia. It is our duity today never to forget.