I finally learned why there are drums outside my window at 3AM. We are in the middle of Ramadan (a special time of fasting for Muslims), and the music, drums, and the crowd parade in the streets to ... yes, intentionally wake up everyone. It is not reckless people running a muck so early in the morning; but rather, the early sounds are intended to help Muslims arise and have a bite to eat before the day of fasting begins, which concludes in the evening.
Earlier today we attended Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor on the Feast of the Transfiguration. It was so fabulous as the Mass was celebrated primarily in Arabic (the area we were in had a significant Christian, Arabic-speaking population), and secondarily Italian and Latin.
It was such a blessing to experience the Mass in the locale of which the Transfiguration took place and with the language of the area -- Arabic. Truly, so many aspects of the local culture's way of praise and worship came forth and was a gift to experience.
Our second trip took us to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where we were able to visit the Grotto of which the Angel Gabriel delivered the message to holy Mother Mary. Close to the church, we visited St. Joseph's home/carpentry workshop.
We concluded with Haifa and focused on Stella Maris and the site of where the Carmelites began. The chapel encloses the Cave of Elijah -- where it is said he preached and prophesied to the people of Israel. At one point, I had the opportunity of having the Chapel to myself as all the tour groups were gone or in the souvenir shop. For thanksgiving for our journey that day, I sang the Salve Regina. It was my favorite part of the day to just rest, have silence, and then to pray.
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