Since 12th century, during crusades, the Holy Land was the desired Land not only for knights but also the penitent-pilgrims had come from Europe. They come together near a “spring of Elijah the prophet” in one of the valleys of Mount Carmel. They saw in the prophet one of the founder of the monastic life. In the middle of the cells they built a chapel which they dedicated to Mother of Jesus. They became known as “Brothers of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel”. Thus Carmel is deeply associated with Elijah and Mary.
That is a short story of Order of Carmelites origin.
And now we enter inside of church Stella Maris where the Elijah’s cave is located. But I should remind: this cave is venerated by Christians.
The cave is situated below the altar. We walk down into the “Elijah Cave” where the prophet is believed have lives. We see inside an altar and the statue of Elijah above. During our visit, the young parents with their baby have gone down. They asked blessing for the child. So and I put a small candle, stood some time and then lifted my hand and touched a ceiling of cave. I’ve soiled the fingers. The cave’s arch was sooty from great number of candle’s lighting with eternal prayer of helping, healing and blessing to the prophet and then leave the cave.
Now we again stand in the middle of church Stella Maris. The paintings of the dome and others have done by Brother Luidgi Poggi (1924-28), depicted episodes from the Old Testament. The statue of the Virgin Mary with Jesus on her hand, carved from Lebanon’s cedar.
You can see a native scene from life of Holy Family. It is believed, that the Holy Family hide here from the king Herod the Great.
Take a look at church Stella Maris, and the next time we’ll start to climb down to the foot of Carmel where one more cave of Elijah the prophet is situated.
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