The traditional location for the Mount of Beatitudes is on the north western shore of the Sea of Galilee, between Capernaum and Ginosar. The mountain is topped by a Catholic chapel built in 1939 by the Franciscan Sisters. The building was constructed by the noted architect Antonio Barluzzi. In front of the church, the symbols on the pavement represent the virtues of Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Charity, Faith and Temperance. Inside the church hangs the cloak from Pope Paul VI’s visit in 1964.
The actual location of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount is not certain, but the present site has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for more than 1600 years. The Beatitudes are the eight blessings of Jesus recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospels of Matthew (5-7) and Luke (6).
The Sermon on the Mount
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” (Matthew 5:1-12).
