We then travelled to Caesarea Philippi (in the Golan Heights) to visit the ruins of the Temple of Pan at the headwaters of the River Jordan. It was here that Jesus said to Peter, “You are the Rock and upon this rock I will build my Church”. We renewed our baptismal vows with water from the River Jordan (and a little rain water from heaven). We then traveled to Magdala (where Mary Magdalene lived). At Magdala we had a full lunch at the Tanurem Restaurant. We had a choice of Chicken or Peter’s fish which is found in abundance in the Sea of Galilee (I had to try the fish of course, which I must say was quite good).

We then traveled to Tabgha to see the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. Inside this church we saw the mosaic of the loaves and fishes in front of the rock (under the altar) that Jesus used for the multiplications. We also saw 4th and 5th century mosaics there as well.

 

We then went to the Church of Peter’s Primacy where we had mass. This is where Jesus appeared after his resurrection and had the disciples cast their nets out to receive a full catch. This is also where Jesus told Peter to “feed my sheep” and gave him authority over the Church. Inside the church is the Mensa Christi, the rock upon which this occurred.