We traveled today to the Mount of Olives. It is a hilltop overlooking Old Jerusalem and believed to be the spot where Jesus ascended into heaven. We celebrated the Mass at the Grotto of Gethsemani. Take a peak at this beautiful grotto where Jesus’s disciples waited while He anguished in the Garden of Gethsemani.

   
   
Here are some shots of the thousand year old olive trees still remaining in the Garden of Gethsrmani.  

 Then on to the path which Jesus took on Palm Sunday. We could hear the people praying and vividly imagine the waving of the palms as people lined His path. We visited the Chapel of the Ascension. 

  The Our Father in three languages along the way. This is Monsignor’s amazing Aunt  Pauline ( who should get the true grit award for the trip-:)!!) saying the Our Father in French!!  
    
    
 A next emotional stop for us was the Church of the Visitation. The ride up was unbelievable as a very kind man actually drove ‘up and over the 100 steps’ to give a few of us and the ‘chariot’ wheelchair  a lift!!! Here Mary traveled many miles on a donkey to be with Elizabeth as she gave birth to John the Baptist.  

  A more modern depiction of Mary greeting Elizabeth. 
The rock which protected John the Baptist from being executed as a child by Herod’s men.

    
The Church of the Visitation…

Off to dinner …tomorrow is our last day and the Dead Sea-:)!!