Our Lady of the Fright (Nazareth, Israel)
City:
Nazareth
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
This Franciscan chapel on a south hill near Mount Precipice, has several names: Mary’s fear, Our Lady of the Fright, and Notre Dame de l’Effroi. It is so named after the traditional site where Mary, mother of Jesus, stood when her son was about to be thrown from the hill (Luke 4:29). Its dominant location on the south edge of the city makes it highly visible in parts of the city. The church was in ruins for many years, until it was recently restored in 2009.
Geography & Location
The chapel is located on a small hill just under 1,200 feet (360 meters) north to Mount Precipice, on the south-east side of Nazareth. It is is the middle of a barren hillside, which is hard to reach. There is a steep path up from the old quarry at the foothill, but the prize of the hike is a beautiful panorama of the valley below and the view of the remarkable structure.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Very little is known about Nazareth from the ancient sources. Outside of the New Testament, Nazareth is never mentioned until the Byzantine period (4th c. AD). Archaeological excavations have confirmed that the city was only a small agricultural village during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Biblical & Historical References
Jesus returned to Nazareth and preached in the synagogue, declaring that he was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. The people of Nazareth were initially amazed by his words, but when Jesus suggested that he was the Messiah, they became angry and attempted to push him off the cliff on Mount Precipice. However, Jesus was able to escape from their grasp and left the city. (Luke 4:16-30)
Places of Interest
Mount Precipice