NDS in Ecce Homo

Prayer

We collaborate with the Community of Chemin Neuf to manage the Pilgrim House.

Ecce Homo convent is built over a sacred site held by Christian tradition to be the place where Jesus was scourged and condemned to death known as the Lithostrotos mentioned in John’s Gospel Chapter 19:13. The excavations show paving stones from the time of Hadrian with the games of the soldiers carved into the stones. Some of these ancient stones were moved here from the Antonio Fortress. This sacred site is visited by thousands of pilgrims annually.

We live on the Via Dolorosa: this enables us to interact with our neighbours – Jews, Muslim and Christian as well as to be immersed in the buzz of the many pilgrims from around the world, who walk the ‘Way of the Cross’ or who pass on their way to the Mosque or to pray at the Western Wall – a sacred place for Jews.

Welcome and hospitality is a major value for middle-eastern cultures, and this is also a vital aspect of our ministry here in this house. We welcome pilgrim guests from every nation and share with many of them, the complex situation of this land, the pain and struggle of both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the on-going life of searching between the three faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Ecce Homo winter 2012

Ecce Homo winter 2012

Biblical Formation Jerusalem.

We have taken seriously the call of the church, through its many documents on biblical studies and the Church’s relationship with Judaism, to offer a series of programs to study the Bible in its own setting and context of this land. Students from around the world can participate in month-long biblical courses, to study biblical texts in English, French and Spanish, with excursions that give a greater understanding of the importance of the ‘land’ for a deeper appreciation of the Bible.

The Interfaith Coordinating Council of Israel

We have been active members of this council since its beginnings. This has brought a richness to our lives in the many friendships that have developed over the years as we work in solidarity with Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Ecumenical Groups

We participate in the groups and activities that happen here, in order to strengthen and come to understand the other Christian groups that share this Holy City.

Community Ecce HomoWe welcome especially our own sisters and brothers, who come on pilgrimage or to study in one of our programs. Our community recognises the importance of Jerusalem for the congregation, and the need to maintain a welcoming presence in Jerusalem.

Our daily morning prayer, with the psalms and reflection on the Word, sustains our life and commitment to all of these projects, and especially for peace and justice for all peoples in this land.

Sr Maureen Cusick NDS

 

 

Lithostrotos – the Ecce Homo Convent Underground