Monday, 28th January. At 11.30 a.m., ahead of schedule, the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, arrived at the Sanctuary of the Annunciation. He was received, as well as by the Franciscan Fraternity of the Monastery of the Annunciation, by the two Mayors of the city (old Nazareth and Nazareth Illit), Mons. Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar, and other figures of the political, religious and cultural world of Nazareth. After the brief welcome address, the procession reached the Upper Basilica, where President Peres made a speech in Hebrew after explanations on the Basilica complex.
The Presidential visit should have included a brief visit to the Venerated Grotto, to be followed by the unveiling of a kiosk, where visitors to the Sanctuary will be able to access detailed information on the City of Mary. However, due to a demonstration of protest on the road opposite the Sanctuary, the President’s visit had to be modified and the programme was not respected for security reasons. The Town Hall was very disappointed as the opportunity was missed to showcase its initiative which is of benefit for the City and for all those who visit it for tourism or as pilgrims.
RB
The Presidential visit should have included a brief visit to the Venerated Grotto, to be followed by the unveiling of a kiosk, where visitors to the Sanctuary will be able to access detailed information on the City of Mary. However, due to a demonstration of protest on the road opposite the Sanctuary, the President’s visit had to be modified and the programme was not respected for security reasons. The Town Hall was very disappointed as the opportunity was missed to showcase its initiative which is of benefit for the City and for all those who visit it for tourism or as pilgrims.
RB