In the Holy Land every location, says Barluzzi, where a shrine stands is a precise reminder of a specific mystery of the life of Christ. In the centre of the choir of the Basilica, a stone could be seen protruding slightly above the mosaic floor. To preserve artefacts for 100 years even in times of war is a gift! It is a surprise that they have come down to us today. From the light of the first document on Mount Tabor to the darkness, from the problems the brothers had in the long battles, we have moved on to the light again, to this beautiful building on Mount Tabor. From the ideological perspective of the category of negative and not: not light and not sight reveal the conditions of possibility for a new sight. (Andrea Bizzozero) Diotallevi is not content with facilitating archaeological research, but wants to build. On the occasion of the centenary of the basilicas of Mount Tabor and Gethsemane, a Study Day was held on Saturday 22 June in the Aula dell'Immacolata in St Saviour's Monastery. The aim of the day was to study in depth the special aspects of the works realised by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, also known as the architect of the Holy Land. The day of study was attended by professors from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum and other guests. VINCENZO ZUPPARDO Architect - Centenary Organisation Committee The theme we focused on was precisely this contrast expressed by the title Lux Tenebra. It is also very well represented in the basilicas built by architect Antonio Barluzzi. Indeed, they all play on the theme of light and the symbolic meaning that light has within the space in relation to the mystery being celebrated in that church. Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land The Custody's presence from a certain point of view has protected places. But let us say that before protecting them (many places were also discovered, rediscovered) it was also part of enhancing their message. Speakers from different points of view explored the subject in depth. Beginning with Brother Eugenio Alliata and the archaeology of Gethsemane, Professor Gianantonio Urbani spoke about Mount Tabor as a natural archaeological area. Professor Br Narcyz Klimas spoke about the history of the Franciscan presence in the holy places. Via internet connection, Professor Francesco Buffon discussed Diotallevi and the Custody at the beginning of the 20th century. Professor Andrea Bizzozero, on the other hand, spoke about the philosophy of the ambiguity of the luminous. To conclude the afternoon, architects, restaurateurs and experts spoke about Barluzzi's life. Dr CARLA BENELLI Art historian ATS Between 2012 and 2014, under the direction of architect Osama Hamdan, we carried out the restoration of the mosaics and especially the training of six young people from Jerusalem in mosaic restoration. As you may know, architect Osama sadly left us four months ago. Therefore, this presentation is dedicated to him in order to remember his great work but above all this important aspect of focusing on the local community. Thus, the involvement of young people, training, but also awareness-raising activities with schools. For Dr Benelli, who has worked in the Holy Land for many years, participating in such a project is always an honour. Dr CARLA BENELLI Art historian ATS It is a great opportunity for me. I will always be grateful to the Franciscan Custody for giving me this opportunity: it is an extraordinary experience. GIAN MARIA SECCO SUARDO Barluzzi researcher Barluzzi entered the event and this was a fundamental element to have an inspiration. But it is not enough to have that if there is no other instrument. And in that case he had an absolutely exceptional artistic sensibility. All the criticisms he makes are of an extraordinary depth. In my opinion these are his ingredients: religiosity and artistic perfectionism. Commemorating 100 years in this time of conflict that the Holy Land is experiencing may seem like a contrast. But precisely here the theme of darkness and light can once again direct our gaze to the Gospel of Christ. VINCENZO ZUPPARDO Architect - Centenary Organisation Committee With the outbreak of war, we questioned the conduct of the centenary activities. However, the Basilica of Gethsemane and also the Basilica of Tabor were built at a time between the two world wars, at a time of great conflict. Yet they also succeeded in channelling cooperation between nations towards the production of works of art and architectural masterpieces of great beauty that are still admired by thousands and thousands of visitors today. From architectural beauty to musical beauty, the Magnificat Institute offered a classical music concert conducted by Maestro Igor Frug at the end of the day. Read More