Fr. Olivier Catel, OP, tells us about the city that is thrice holy and yet a thousand times divided.
His view is not that of a traveller, or even a pilgrim, but that of a local. He takes us on a journey of highs and lows, walls and bridges, hatreds and graces. Walking with him, the monuments, streets and people, as well as memories, emotions and expectations, take on a whole new meaning, one that is both unprecedented and intimate. In fact, he brings Jerusalem back to life before our eyes and ears, making it our own. This commented walk, which is biblical, archaeological, exegetical and historical, is above all vibrant with humanity.
Where can we find peace and quiet? Where can we meet others? Where can we talk to each other? How can we make peace? In fourteen chapters that resemble the Stations of the Cross, take your turn to enter the city without equal, plunge into the urgency of reconciliation and immerse yourself in the hope that only the Eternal gives.
“The idea for this little book on Jerusalem was born during my year of study at Oxford, with the necessary distance and hindsight.
What did the Holy City mean to me? Beyond the holy places and archaeological sites, how did this unique city occupy my heart, my strength and my mind? It didn’t take long to write it, because it’s a book I’d been carrying around with me for a long time. It is the fruit of my readings, my wanderings and my experience as a pilgrimage guide. In fourteen meditations aimed at a wide readership, I offer readers a journey through Jerusalem – with all its joys, sorrows and violence – and through the Bible and its Jewish and Christian traditions.
However, the aim is to go beyond the borders of the Holy City and make this experience a universal one, accessible to everyone, wherever they may be. Throughout the pages, the places and people of Jerusalem, in all their diversity, give rise to personal sharing and memories, but also to reflections on the division of hearts and peoples, the multiplicity of languages and traditions, idolatry and the joy of celebration, the end of time and the urgency of conversion.
In fact, Jerusalem is a microcosm of everyone’s soul and the model for every Christian life. How can we experience Jerusalem in our daily lives and in our relationships with others? How can we hope for the Jerusalem to come and begin to build it here on earth with the often humble means at our disposal?
Despite the difficulties that are all too present, Jerusalem is above all a call to hope and peace: peace for the peoples who live there, peace for the hearts of all those who seek unity.”
Coming soon: Jeûner ensemble – Retour aux sources (spring 2025), Lectures rabbiniques du Nouveau testament (autumn 2025).
Get your French copy of Jérusalem Un cœur de paix at Éditions du Cerf.
