According to historical sources, Gethsemane, as a place related to Jesus' agony, has been remembered since ancient times. Br EUGENIO ALLIATA, ofm Studium Biblicum Franciscanum archaeologist The church is mentioned in the sources, in ancient pilgrim histories, as the "church of prayer," because the church's focus is on that prayer Jesus made at Gethsemane: "Father, if it is possible, pass this cup from me. But not mine but your will be done." This is the center of the message of the place, the prayer of Jesus." The current Basilica was built between 1922 and 1924. Various nations cooperated for its construction, which is why it is called the Basilica of Nations. The task of planning the new church was entrusted to the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. Br EUGENIO ALLIATA, ofm Studium Biblicum Franciscanum archaeologist Here this is the central rock of the Basilica, and according to Christian custom, in the center, in front of the altar, is the most characteristic element, most interesting for the history of the Shrine. BR SINISA SREBRENOVIC,ofm Guardian Convent of Gethsemane-Jerusalem The Basilica as in all other places and shrines in the Holy Land, first welcomes pilgrims and tourists, eventually everyone who comes here. We celebrate the Masses, lead the prayers. On July 1, in the Basilica of the Agony at Gethsemane, the feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus was celebrated with the opening of the basilica´s Centennial Jubilee. We are here today to open the centennial jubilee of this basilica whose foundation stone was laid on October 17, 1919 by Cardinal Filippo Giustini, protector of the Order of Friars Minor and papal legate to Palestine, on the occasion of the seventh centennial of the founding of the Custody of the Holy Land. There were many difficulties, obstacles and interruptions to the work, for political and religious reasons. But thanks to the quick work of about four hundred workers, the inauguration of Gethsemane took place on June 15, 1924. The Mass was presided over by Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, with the participation of Franciscans and priests from the Holy Land communities. On this stone, according to tradition, Jesus suffered his agony. Here his sweat turned into blood, symbolized by these rose petals. In this holy place we lay the sorrows and agony of humanity. Today we celebrate in a special way the most precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ here at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed sweating blood after instituting the Eucharist and before pouring out all his own blood by dying for us on the cross. Br. FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land The Feast of the Precious Blood is related to the celebration of the Eucharist. In the Middle Ages, the Body of the Lord and the Precious Blood were celebrated on Corpus Christi. After the liturgical reform only one feast was made which is the celebration of the Body and Blood of the Lord. However, here in the Holy Land since we have these special places we also continue to celebrate the feast of the Precious Blood which precisely is the blood of Jesus, is his life given for us. You understand well the value of the Precious Blood when you reflect on the words that the priest speaks over the chalice which are the words of Jesus in the Institution of the Eucharist. One understands that the blood that Jesus gives is his life that is given out of love for us for the new and eternal covenant. Br. FRANCESCO PATTON,ofm Custos of the Holy Land Holy Land shrines are very important to the faith of local Christians and to the faith of pilgrims. They are places closely related to moments and episodes we find in the gospels. Read More