Caeserea Maritima

Our day started very early. All of us were running around, preparing the last details to start a new adventure in Galilee. After Mass and breakfast we began the journey that would take us to Caesarea Maritima. When we arrived we were impressed by the climate (weather) and beauty of this ancient city. Caesarea Maritima has held an important through the history of Holy Land. First, Herod the Great with his great ambition to turn his kingdom at the height of points as Alexandria, decided to build a port and a city with great technological advances of his time (25-13ac). Examples are the remains of Herod's palace with a pool overlooking the sea, the public baths, the hippodrome, the amphitheater, and the port in all its glory. Undoubtedly this project speaks of the great power of Herod the Great and his desire to make this area a significant place in the sight of the rest of the Roman world. Secondly, this place is of great importance for Christianity. It was in this same place that Cornelius lived and received the visit of Saint Peter who, after this, also worked at the evangelization of the Gentiles. Also in this city Paul was arrested and transferred to Rome, where he would be executed. Our day concluded with the arrival to Nazareth where Mary received the Message of God that she was asked to be the Mother of Jesus. The Basilica of the Annunciation is not only beautiful but very peaceful and spiritual. We had a couple of minutes to pray in front of the Grotto. It was a time to strengthen our “Yes” to the Lord.