Two monks, some Filipino sisters, and a few young German volunteers are making me feel welcome here. The monastery, 14km north of Tiberias, is right beside the Sea or Lake of Galilee. There's a beautiful sheltered altar with the bark of trees around it for seating, right at the lakeside. The Basilica keeps the memory of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. The miracle is thought to have taken place on the other side of the lake, but difficult access meant it was located here as regards a living memory. There's a reconstruction of a 5th century Byzantine church, and the remains of 4th century mosaics of the loaves and fishes can be seen in front of the altar. Tabgha is also regarded as "the lonely place" to which Jesus often came alone. There are writings about Tabgha from as early as 383AD. There's a stream running through the monastery gardens from a spring into the Sea (Lake) of Galilee. I rose early to-day, joining the small community for lauds and mass at 6 a.m. All the liturgy here is in German, but one of the Filipino sisters has kindly given me the texts in English. There's a huge difference here during the day as compared with evening and early morning. During the day, there are bus loads of pilgrims. Then from 5 p.m., to 8 a.m., it's only us who live here! After breakfast I climbed the Mount of the Beatitudes (about 45 minutes and quite steep). We were here in mid-September but to-day I approached it from the other side. Plenty of pilgrims around, but you can find a quiet place simply "to be" with the gospel of the beatitudes. Came down to Tiberias this afternoon for an hour (including internet cafe). No internet access in the monastery; I would not like to ask! Pictures show the lakeside altar; view of the Mount of the Beatitudes on the way up; view from the hill/mountain of the Benedictine Monastery at Tabgha.
