Today 8th December 2024, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Second Sunday of Advent, when we reflect upon the role of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus and the salvation that He would bring to us, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy KHS visited The Church of St John the Baptist in Ein Karim built on the house of Zechariah who was a Jewish high priest and father of John the Baptist.

It was in Ein Karim that the Virgin Mary, made the Visitation to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and is the site where tradition says that Mary recited The Magnificat.

Donnacha was welcomed by Brother Anto Leo Mariadass and the community of Mendicant monks to join in the celebration of Holy Mass in the Chapel of John the Baptist, located in the crypt built by the Crusaders on the reputed birthplace of John the Baptist.

In his prayers, Donnacha remembered especially his father whose birthday is today. Following the celebration of Holy Mass Brother Leo escorted Donnacha on a tour of the contemplative gardens and adjacent Church of the Visitation. They walked the small farm holding within the Monastery where they grow their own fruit and vegetables and raise chickens, rabbits as well as Peacock. Within the monastery is the Casa Nova guesthouse and adjoining café that serves their own produce to the guests.