Fr. Jean-Luc Eckert has lived in the Assumptionist community in Jerusalem for many years. There he has been welcoming the many pilgrims who arrive to recall Peter's denial and repentance at this site considered by some experts to be the former site of the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest at the time of Jesus. He has also had numerous encounters with various Christian communities in Israel and Palestine and has tasted first-hand the warm welcome of the inhabitants of this land, both suffering and luminous. Here he shared with us some of his discoveries.

Working at the shrine of St. Peter-in-Gallicantu ion Jerusalem affords one the opportunity for rich encounters. Christian memory has attached to this site one of the most somber moments in Church history: Jesus' betrayal by one in whom he placed total trust, Peter, his closest friend. Here peter experienced his greatest failure and his deepest fragility. But here as well, the Apostle entered in to the merciful plan of God, one of pardon and salvation, one whereby he wishes to reconcile us, fragile and fearful men, capable of great good or great evil. A continual influx of pilgrims and visitors daily invades our property from early morning to the lingering moments of daylight. Each day more than a thousand people converge on this site to walk in the footsteps of Peter in order to recognize that his experience is theirs as well.

We Assumptionists, guardians of this shrine, in close collaboration with the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption and lay employees in the area, we are responsible for welcoming these pilgrims who come seeking the sources of their faith and an experience that will mark their lives. Most come for a short time, but others spend a longer time for a retreat or for studies. It takes time, reflection, and experience to learn the art of hospitality and it is a daily challenge. Already in our common life we experience such a challenge since the members of our community come form several countries. We see our ability to overcome personal differences in community as a sign of hope in country marked by division, conflict, and fear of one's neighbor. Welcoming others in all their diversity is, in fact, our first mission. We do not live here simply to preserve the stones that recall the memory of Jesus. We are here to love the living stones of today, the men and women who inhabit this earth in search of peace and justice such as those who cross the threshold of our property each day.

From a human point of view, differences of culture, language, rite, or even confession of faith may constitute the gravest of obstacles. To be sure, we are humble before such realities. The desire to meet others, to share with them, and to be mutually enriched is often stronger than our fear or reservations.

Sometimes, for those who come here, our welcome is conveyed by a simple smile, a handshake, or a conversation. Our greatest joy comes when we see pilgrims leave having been reconciled with their tradition and with one another.