Reflecting on our Christian roots:Nazareth and Bethlehem

(Vatican Radio) In parishes from Kansas City to Kinshasa, prayer vigils have been organized in response to Blessed Pope John Paul II’s desire that the Universal Church pray for the Cardinals charged with the delicate task of choosing the Successor of Peter.

In his 1996 Apostolic Constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis, Pope John Paul called for “humble and persevering prayers” during the vacancy of the Apostolic See and especially during the conclave, to “enlighten” the electors in their selection of the next Pope.

In this document, Pope John Paul invites Catholics everywhere to follow “the example of the first Christian community spoken of in the Acts of the Apostles.” “The Universal Church, spiritually united with Mary, the Mother of Jesus,” he writes, “should persevere with one heart in prayer; thus the election of the new Pope will not be something unconnected with the People of God and concerning the College of electors alone, but will be in a certain sense an act of the whole Church.”

To assist our listeners on their journey of prayer and during this Lenten period, we turn to the Holy Land where that first Christian community was born in Jesus, and where he died and rose again. Fr. Peter Stravinskas, noted scholar and editor of the Catholic Response, accompanies us in a series of reflections on the places we Christians hold dear as having played an important part in Jesus’ life.

Today, he begins with a reflection on the holy town of Nazareth in Galilee, in modern day Israel. This was the village where the young Virgin Mary and later, the holy family, lived. Pilgrims visiting Nazareth today can pray at the Basilica of the Annunciation which was built over the cave which Mary had made her home and where it is believed the Angel Gabriel came to her, announcing that God had chosen her to bear the Messiah.

Listen to the program by Tracey McClure: