Mosaics, rich in symbolism and susceptible to reflection and contemplation, can be seen on Mount Nebo, Jordan, in the chapels adjacent to the Franciscan Sanctuary, dedicated to the prophets Moses and Elijah. A few months ago, we were on Mount Nebo and had the opportunity to meet the artist engaged in the finalisation of a work that architect Osama Hamdan had initiated together with Father Michele Piccirillo. ANTONIO VACCALLUZZO Artist These mosaics were commissioned to me by the architect Osama and the Franciscan fathers of Mount Nebo. They have known me for many years. I have been coming since 1990. I was called here by Father Michele Piccirillo. With him I started, when he opened the mosaic school in Madaba, to teach and train local young people so that they could work independently one day, because this land is rich in mosaics! On 9 November, Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, presided at Holy Mass. He blessed the new mosaics dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. A central figure in the three Abrahamic religions, Elijah takes on an even deeper significance in light of the conflict that has plagued the region for the past year. As the Custos highlighted in his homily, Elijah represents a symbol of unshakeable faith and the defence of justice. He offers an example for all those in search of truth and peace. Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land I think Elijah's message is very important. As we see in the Old Testament, he is a prophet of reconciliation, reconciling different generations and hopefully also helping to reconcile different people and different religions. Brother Ibrahim Faltas, custodial vicar, Brother Bernard Thilagarajah, guardian of the convent, and Brother Claudio Bottini, from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, concelebrated. Br GIOVANNI CLAUDIO BOTTINI, ofm Professor Studium Biblicum Franciscanum First of all, it was a surprise and a gift given to me by my superiors to be here on this extraordinary day. Mount Nebo for me is a mountain of memories, because I spent so many years with Father Piccirillo, from 1975 and 1977, and continuously until his death. So I am full of memories and emotions. Several church and diplomatic authorities from different countries were also present, testifying to the importance of Mount Nebo in building dialogue and unity. H E GIOVANNI PIETRO DAL TOSO Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan and Cyprus I come here to express gratitude to the Franciscans for the great work they are doing here at Mount Nebo. Not only here but everywhere in the Holy Land, in preserving Christian sites and promoting Christian tourism here in Jordan. MUSTAFA Member of Parliament – Jordan We are used to living as one family working for peace, as brothers and against violence. This mountain reflects the Custody of the Holy Land. And we hope that this sacred mountain will be truly visited and recognised throughout the world. Br IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land Truly it was a beautiful day, also thanks to the presence of all these ambassadors and the Parliamentarians of the Jordan Government. In addition to the many people who came to see this place but also to appreciate the work of the Franciscans and what the Custody of the Holy Land is doing at Mount Nebo. In the evening, Lina Annab, Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, attended the dinner. During which she received a gift from the hands of Brother Patton and Brother Ammar Shahin, a friar from the region. The gesture was a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the Franciscans present on Mount Nebo and the Jordanian authorities. CARLA BENELLI ATS Art Historian At this time, we must think of the many things that unite us as humanity, as human beings. The message of the Franciscans also in the preservation of the cultural heritage of the region is a message of peace and dialogue. The new mosaics on Mount Nebo are a work of art of great artistic and spiritual value, depicting four key episodes in the life of Elijah. An invitation to pilgrims of all faiths to find peace and admire, like Moses from the top of the mountain, the beauty of the Holy Land. Br BERNARD THILAGARAJAH, ofm Guardian Franciscan Community of Mount Nebo - Jordan Pilgrims can access, visit and photograph these wonders. Everything is open to allow everyone to enjoy this place. Even today, it is still a place where both beauty and spirituality can be admired.