The Mount of Beatitudes is believed to be the location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Once known as Mt. Eremos, this hill is located between Capernaum and Tabgha and is just above the “Cove of the Sower.” This spacious hillside provides room for crowds to gather, as evidenced by preparation for 100,000 Catholics to observe mass nearby with the Pope’s visit in March 2000.

The mountain is topped by a Catholic chapel built in 1939 by the Franciscan Sisters. The building which was constructed by the noted architect Antonio Barluzzi is full of numerical symbolism. In front of the church, the symbols on the pavement represent Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Charity, Faith and Temperance. Inside the church hangs the cloak from Pope Paul VI’s visit in 1964.

Surrounding the church are beautiful gardens and small places of meditation for Christians to sit quietly and pray as well as hold a devotional.

FROM THE SCRIPTURES

The Sermon on the Mount

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Matthew 5:3-10 (ESV)