The Gethsemane, with its gate managed by the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, represents a historic symbol of great importance.
Brother Diego, a Franciscan friar, is responsible for the hermitage in this special place, located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Upon crossing the gate, one immerses oneself in an atmosphere of silence. The Gethsemane is a sanctuary of peace and spirituality, a refuge for those seeking inner silence and a connection with the divine.
Brother Diego carries out his role with dedication, taking care of twelve hermitages within the garden, which were once stables and have now become places of retreat.
The ancient olive trees, witnesses of the past, are a central element in this place: the friar is responsible for pruning the olive trees and harvesting their fruits. During the harvest, the seeds are given to Christian-Palestinian families for the preparation of special rosaries. A portion of the oil is allocated to the local church for use in religious rituals in Israel and Palestine, while the rest is used by the friars themselves or sent to other parts of the world upon request.
Special thanks to L'Avvenire.it for the article.
To learn more about the experience of the hermitage, click here.
