Visit Nazareth and you will see, if you stand in front of the Basilica of the Annunciation, the inscription “et verbum caro hic factum est” — Here the Word became Flesh. This alludes to God becoming man (flesh) at Nazareth in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Mosaics of Mary from various countries surround the inscription. Among the first is that of the English shrine of Walsingham. Known as “England’s Nazareth”, it was founded in 1061 but recently was raised to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis, in recognition of its appeal to the modern pilgrim.

Source: The Times September 24, 2016 11:03 UTC