President Bush, in his visit to the Middle East, wanted to mark his stay in Israel and in the Palestinian Autonomous Territories by visiting some of the Holy Places. The programme included the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and, in Galilee, Capharnaum and the Mount of Beatitudes.
The least that can be said is that a visit by the President of the United States gives rise to drastic controls by both the American and Israeli secret services. The Holy Places were visited over and over again and inspected over and over again. This morning, Friday 11th January, the security agents were already at the doors of the Franciscan convent of Capharnaum at 5.30 p.m. to take possession of the premises. At 8.00 a.m., the small fishing village looked more like a military base. Every single flower had been sniffed by the dogs of the dog units then probed again to detect the possible presence of explosives. The inspections were repeated and the police completely surrounded the area of the property.
President Bush arrived slightly late, preceded by a horde of journalists and an army of bodyguards. He was greeted by the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Pierbattista Pizzaballa and by Brother Peter Vasko, who is American. They were the only ones authorized to guide the President who was accompanied by Condoleezza Rice. The visit began in the Church which stands above the house of St. Peter, to protect it. George W. Bush was greatly impressed by the architectural audacity of the building.
The visit continued on the lake shore; on the way back, at the house of Peter, the Custos continued to explain the historical evolution of this fishing village which, in the time of Jesus, was already 1500 years old. The tour came to an end with a visit to the fifth century synagogue, built on the remains of the one from the time of Jesus. At every stage of this visit, Brother Peter Vasko read a passage concerning the site of Capharnaum from the Bible in English to the President. Both Mr. Bush and Condoleezza Rice listened very closely to the Holy Scriptures and to the explanations they were given, without hesitating to ask for further information.
The atmosphere on this glorious day was relaxed. The security service that accompanies the President clearly gives him peace of mind.
When the time for departure came, he warmly said goodbye to the Franciscan community and to the Sisters of the Catechism who serve the convent of Capharnaum. He had kind words for everyone, offering to pose with each person for a souvenir photo. He also asked for those present to pray for the safe continuation of his journey in the Middle East and the cause of peace in this part of the world. The motorcade then went to the Mount of Beatitudes where he was received by the community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
As soon as the President left, another army of agents erased all traces the security services had left. Sic transit gloria mundi.
A group of pilgrims was due at 3.00 p.m. to celebrate Mass, to be followed by another one at 5.00 p.m. Life returned to normal in Capharnaum.
MAB
The least that can be said is that a visit by the President of the United States gives rise to drastic controls by both the American and Israeli secret services. The Holy Places were visited over and over again and inspected over and over again. This morning, Friday 11th January, the security agents were already at the doors of the Franciscan convent of Capharnaum at 5.30 p.m. to take possession of the premises. At 8.00 a.m., the small fishing village looked more like a military base. Every single flower had been sniffed by the dogs of the dog units then probed again to detect the possible presence of explosives. The inspections were repeated and the police completely surrounded the area of the property.
President Bush arrived slightly late, preceded by a horde of journalists and an army of bodyguards. He was greeted by the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Pierbattista Pizzaballa and by Brother Peter Vasko, who is American. They were the only ones authorized to guide the President who was accompanied by Condoleezza Rice. The visit began in the Church which stands above the house of St. Peter, to protect it. George W. Bush was greatly impressed by the architectural audacity of the building.
The visit continued on the lake shore; on the way back, at the house of Peter, the Custos continued to explain the historical evolution of this fishing village which, in the time of Jesus, was already 1500 years old. The tour came to an end with a visit to the fifth century synagogue, built on the remains of the one from the time of Jesus. At every stage of this visit, Brother Peter Vasko read a passage concerning the site of Capharnaum from the Bible in English to the President. Both Mr. Bush and Condoleezza Rice listened very closely to the Holy Scriptures and to the explanations they were given, without hesitating to ask for further information.
The atmosphere on this glorious day was relaxed. The security service that accompanies the President clearly gives him peace of mind.
When the time for departure came, he warmly said goodbye to the Franciscan community and to the Sisters of the Catechism who serve the convent of Capharnaum. He had kind words for everyone, offering to pose with each person for a souvenir photo. He also asked for those present to pray for the safe continuation of his journey in the Middle East and the cause of peace in this part of the world. The motorcade then went to the Mount of Beatitudes where he was received by the community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
As soon as the President left, another army of agents erased all traces the security services had left. Sic transit gloria mundi.
A group of pilgrims was due at 3.00 p.m. to celebrate Mass, to be followed by another one at 5.00 p.m. Life returned to normal in Capharnaum.
MAB