Church of the Annunciation November 13, 2011

Nazareth's Basilica Church of the Annunciation is the second largest church in the Middle East, one of the newest (built in 1967), and in our eyes one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. The ground floor has a sunken circular worship area the grotto which represents the traditional site of Mary's home, where Catholics believe she was visit by the angel Gabriel. The circular worship area is centered under the dome of the Basilica above, and is open. The effect is to create a large well-like space in the altar area between the parishioners and the priests. In cathedrals this space is usually where the "choir" is - and this is not the place where the choir sits. It's an enclosed space for exclusive or smaller services. Having this well instead of a choir enhances the open feeling of this large sanctuary, but the opening in the floor makes it feel womb-like.


The sanctuary is surrounded by large and visually stunning artworks depicting the Virgin Mary, from all over the world, identified by country and artist. The two pieces given by the United States and Canada stood out for us, not only because of national sentimentality, but because each departed from the usual medium of mosaic that the other countries have used. The American Mary is commanding, almost stern, and her strength is emphasized by her silver grey gown that flows out of the frame in bas- relief. The Canadian Mary is entirely made of wood, we presume maple, and is abstract. The mother and child and human, animal, and plant shapes are evident but only suggested. Both were very striking pieces. We also loved the depictions of Mary from Asian and Latin American countries.

After sitting alone together in the sanctuary, meditating and praying in the early morning light, nobody but us, and Mary, (and a Franciscan monk setting up chairs in the altar area for the next mass! somebody has to do it!) it dawned on us why this Basilica radiated such spiritual depth and calm. Not only is it a feminine and feminist space, dedicated to the Great Mother as the Catholic tradition knows her, but there is no prominent crucifix anywhere in sight! We recalled the wonderful Rebecca Parker/Rita Nakashima Brock book "Saving Paradise" which proposes that the early Christian vision of their faith, before the doctrine of atonement became prominent, was that it was about connecting heaven and earth by making paradise on earth. We looked to the front of the church above the altar where the crucifix would normally hang. Sure enough, in this Basilica dedicated to Mary, there is a vision of paradise, a beautiful mosaic of Christ the King in Mary's company welcoming all to the new creation.



We left the church reluctantly, and just in time, as four tour groups were standing outside by then receiving their orientations to the exterior. We left feeling like we too had been visited by an angel in this sacred place, Mary's home.

Location:Nazareth