A SOLDIER’S LETTER FROM PALESTINE

New Zealand Tablet, 31 October 1918, Page 28

A SOLDIER’S LETTER FROM PALESTINE

Writing from “Somewhere near Jericho,” under date June 26, . to friends in Taranaki, Trooper T. O’Neill (who was formerly a fellow-student of the late Father McMenamin at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel), gives some interesting details of his experiences in Palestine. “Not long ago a party of 12 of us, with Father McDonald, had a day’s sight-seeing in Old Jerusalem, and we visited all places of interest. Father McDonald made it more interesting, as he was able to explain things to us. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre impressed us greatly. This is a large church, and covers the site of the Crucifixion of our Divine Lord and Tomb on Mount Calvary, The outside view is not ornamental, but the interior is very beautiful. It is adorned with magnificent scriptural paintings bv master painters of the Middle Ages; costly and exquisite tapestries, and splendid mosaic work. There are several churches or chapels inside the main edifice. The two most prominent objects are the tomb—a marble slab covers the actual tomb—and the altar, whereon are displayed thousands of pounds’ worth of precious gems—diamonds, pearls, rubies, etc.—given by various princes and peop.e from all parts of Christendom. The space is only sufficient for six people to stand up inside, being about six feet by four feet, hewn out of rock. From the ground floor you climb probably 150 feet to' the traditional site of the Crucifixion. Here also the altar, and particularly the crucifix surmounting it, glistens with a wealth of precious jewels. These two sights are vividly impressed on one’s memory, and time will never efface them. We also visited the Mosque of Omar, a removal of our boots being an exacted preliminary. The mosquea magnificent work of Moslem art—is a circular structure encompassing a large central rock—probably the rock whereon Abraham of old prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Here also David, Solomon, and others mentioned in Holy Writ offered prayerlikewise Mahomet. On the floor are costly Persian rugs, while the walls, inside and

-r. out, are lined with Mosaic work in which .portions of the. Koran are decipherable. On every,, Moslem mosque or j praying place there is a niche pointing towards Mecca, j as all Moslems pray facing that direction. Another j spot that was veVy interesting to pis was the Jews’ waili . n g place—just a part of the ancient city wall. This I we are told dates back to the year 70, when the Jews I returned"' to Jerusalem after its capture by Titus, and I they wept here at the sight of the ruins of their temple, j Other places of interest are the grounds of the Temple } built by Solomon, the Via Dolorosa, or Stations of the 1 Cross, and the Tower of David. The streets of Jemj salem are cobbled, and very narrow, just wide enough J lor four to walk abreast, with numerous arches over- | head connecting the houses. It has been cleaned up i a lot since the Turks left. Outside the city walls is • the Mount of Olives, with the Garden of Gethsemane. • Quite a Moslem town lies outside the old wall. He ! mentions in terms of deep appreciation the kindness | extended to the boys by Father McDonald, chaplain j with the Forces.” = =====