🚪 Entering the Cave: Symbol of Christ's HeartDiscover the significance of entering a cave, mirroring the heart of Christ. Explore contemplative prayer as Friars follow in the footsteps of St. Francis, finding solace in the desert's vastness.🏞️ Hidden Histories: John the Baptist's ChildhoodUnveil the mysteries of John the Baptist's childhood, hidden in the monastery's cave. Explore the historical context and witness the tangible remnants of the sacred rock in the Byzantine-era church.🌵 Desert Wisdom: Contemplation as IntimacyDelve into the unique qualities of the desert and its profound impact on contemplative prayer. Learn how the desert's silence fosters a deeper, more intimate connection with the divine.🔍 Characteristics of Contemplative PrayerExplore the eight characteristics of contemplative prayer, including its intensity, gaze of faith, hearing the word of God, and the transformative power of silence. Witness how contemplation is a gift and a covenant relationship with the Trinity.