Pilgrimage to the Virgin

The Basilica of Avioth is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We do not know how long or by whom, but its consecration is attested by writings. 

The date of July 16, which tradition has passed on to us, refers to a feast of the Church: on that date, the

Church Honors "Our Lady of Mount Carmel"

Overlooking the Mediterranean, Mount Carmel is home to the town of Haifa on its coastal flank. The Bible sometimes evokes its "smelly trees": myrtles, hyacinths, bay leaf, pines, vines and olive trees.

Mount Carmel evokes the prophet Elijah and his famous quarrel with the priests of Baal, those foreign gods who came to tarnish the pure faith of the People chosen by God. Because of these episodes of the Old Testament, Mount Carmel remained a religious mecca so that at the beginning of the 13th century, hermits came to settle there. They lived according to the "carmel" rule, inspired by the character of the prophet. They wanted to promote a life based on the essential: full communion with God.

Their motto is expressed in two sentences from Elijah's story: "I am filled with zeal for the service of the Lord God" and "He is alive The One before whom I stand"

This story of the prophet Elijah is told in the Bible in the 1st Book of Kings.

July 16 Pilgrimage

2020 will not fail, on July 16 will take place the traditional pilgrimage:

• Opportunity to confess from 9 a.m.
• Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.
• At 1:30 p.m., a guided tour of the basilica will be offered to those interested.
• At 3 p.m., a Marian prayer will gather the pilgrims of the afternoon. The statue of the Virgin will be taken to the streets of the village to express her desire to meet each and every one.

The meadow behind the basilica will provide shade for those who plan to picnic.

We are waiting for you, perhaps even more than usual!