The Mount of Beatitudes is located on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha. This mount is the traditional site of Jesus' delivery of the Sermon on the Mount, the most famous sermon in the New Testament. Pilgrims from all over the world have been visit to this scenic place since at least the 4th century. Today, millions of believers visit the Chapel of Beatitudes in Israel, every year.

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Regardless of whether this is the very spot, the Church of the Beatitudes stands in the right general area and in a very similar setting to where Jesus would have stood as he delivered his famous sermon. As Murphy-O'Connor puts it, from here "one can see virtually all the places in which Jesus lived and worked" (Jerome Murphy O'Connor p.280).

View from the Chapel of Beatitudes to Capernaum

The Chapel of Beatitudes

It is possible that this is the actual site of the Sermon on the Mount, but it is not terribly likely, modern scholars suggest the plain betewen Capernaum and Betsaida more appropriated to Jesus spoke to thousand of People. There is no specific evidence for the site before the 4th century AD, but it is reasonable to place the Sermon here since Jesus was based in Capernaum not far away from there.

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

 

The Beatitudes

The Chapel of Beatitudes

The Chapel of Beatitudes

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Chapel of Beatitudes Mount was designed by Italian architect A. Barluzzi to the Roman Catholic Church according with the Byzantine style.

Its octagonal geometrical shape represents the eight beatitudes describe the the Sermon of the Mount. It has covered by marble and typically basalt black stones from the Sea of Galilee region. Inside, the chapel have a beautiful gold mosaic dome.

The quiet and fresh gardens overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the landscape around where Jesus conducted his ministry turn it an excellent place to spiritual  cerimonies or just personal peaceful time to pray.

In Scripture: 

  • The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:1-7:28
  • The parable of the sower: Mark 4:1-9
  • Jesus commissions the disciples: Matthew 28:16-20

Administered by: Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Tel.: 972-4-6790978
Open: 8-11.45am, 2.30-5pm (4pm Oct-Mar)

View from the Chapel of Beatitudes to Capernaum

The Chapel of Beatitudes