Pater Noster convent in Jerusalem
Israel - Eilat - Haifa - Jerusalem - Tel Aviv
Inside the Iron Gate of Pater Noster convent in Jerusalem visitors can see the richly decorated plaques containing the entire Lord' Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). The first panel you'll see is in Icelandic; two more plaques to the left near the cloister are in Hebrew and Aramaic and 107 additional ornamental panels are inscribed in other languages scattered throughout the compound. Among the dozens on view in the remarkable vaulted cloister are Guarani, Maltese, and the interesting Chaldean language whose letters have a curious resemblance to Hebrew. Unfortunately, a metal French version in Braille was vandalized, but a copy is on view in the gift shop. Pater Noster convent in Jerusalem has a rather stark chapel which is just off the cloistered walkway. Within the high-ceilinged sanctuary are wrought iron lamps and large painted statues of Mary with her baby Jesus. While these lend attractiveness to the church, it is the colorful tile plaques lining the white stone walls which catch your eye. Several of the languages in which the Lord' Prayer is written are truly unusual which includes Tagalog, Pampango, and Ojibway.
The Jerusalem travel guide tells us that at one end of the walkway in Pater
Noster convent in Jerusalem is a sepulture where the tomb of the princess lies.
For nearly a decade, until the convent was well established, she lived nearby
in a wooden cabin brought from France. She loved the site so much that she prepared
her own coffin and asked to be buried within the confines of the Pater Noster.
Above the coffin there is a life-size effigy stating a beautiful memorial to
a princess who's favorite and most comforting speech was the Lord's Prayer.
