Egypt is reviving the path of the Holy Family with the aim of promoting religious tourism and creating new jobs.
The works carried out in all the places through which the Holy Family passed during its fugue to Egypt, are closely monitored by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Enany. On Monday, May 24, 2021, he supervised the maintenance work of the Virgin Mary Tree which is located in the suburb of Cairo, Mataria.
El Enany called for the lighting units to be upgraded to highlight the religious pilgrimage. He also asked for interactive screens to be installed to inform the visitor about the steps of the Holy Family in Egypt and how he can follow them. Near the Tree of the Virgin, in a special room, will be exhibited cult objects of the Coptic Church.
The project of highlighting the path of the Holy Family during its fugue to Egypt, which extends from Rafa to New Farama (Pelusium), began in early 2020 in Cairo.
Roads and infrastructure are already being created to stimulate religious, archaeological, and historical tourism. These are a total of 25 areas through which the Holy Family passed.
The Governments of Sinai, Cairo, Beheira, Sarkeia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Minya, Assiut, and Gharbia are collaborating on the project.
Where is the Tree of the Virgin Mary
The Tree of the Virgin is a fig tree located in the suburbs of Cairo, Mataria. According to tradition, Joseph and the Virgin Mary and Jesus came to Egypt to avoid Herod and the slaughter of infants. During their tour, they arrived in Mataria, which was then a small village. Resting under the tree, a spring of water gushed forth in which the Virgin washed Jesus.
The tree has been a place of worship for Christians and Muslims for centuries, who touch it and pray for healing from diseases of the soul and body. Finally, it is worth noting that at least 700 passages in the Bible mention the word Egypt.
Source: ekkairo.org