ARCHEOLOGY: STUDY TRIP IN GALILEE

The École Biblique et Archéologique Française of Jerusalem once again organized a topographical study trip this year to the peaceful region of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

For this third and final study trip of this academic year, a group of fifteen students set out, accompanied by Fr. Yunus Demirci, OFM Cap, to explore the major sites of Jesus’ ministry, just a short time after Easter. “Could it be that our group is responding to the Gospel invitation, venturing into Galilee, where He goes before us?” wondered one student.

As with previous study trips, Galilee—particularly its Via Maris, vital for local trade at the meeting point of the Sea of the same name and the source of the Jordan River—has long been coveted by various civilizations, each leaving their mark in stone. These were among the many fascinating sites that the researchers had the joy of discovering.

Indeed, they had an appointment with biblical history—not only the Old Testament but also the New. Learning about the history of these Jewish, Christian, and sometimes Judeo-Christian sites was the focus of this topographical week. From the coastal cities once walked by the Twelve to the historic Tel Dan—“from Dan to Beersheba”—the students had the rare opportunity to encounter the Bible in its entirety and absorb centuries of history unfolding before their astonished eyes.

What’s more, while Catholics around the world had their eyes fixed on Rome awaiting a new pope, visiting the Sanctuary of the Primacy of Peter in Tabgha carried a particularly special meaning.

The students unanimously confess: they leave Galilee with a solid grasp of the terrain and deep gratitude for having walked in the footsteps of the Lord.

Click here to watch a short video of our journey.

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This study trip—like those to Jordan and the Negev—was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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