Episode 6 – Conversion and the Baptism
In the sixth episode of the podcast In the footsteps of Scripture: a travel diary in Jordan between the Old and the New Testament, the pilgrimage reaches Bethany beyond the Jordan, identified as the site of the Baptism of Jesus. On the opposite bank lies Jericho. It was here that the people of Israel, led by Joshua, crossed the river; the area is also associated with the place where the prophet Elijah was taken up into Heaven. There is ample evidence to support its historical authenticity.
“The present site of the Baptism of the Lord on the Jordan", Father Francesco Giosuè Voltaggio explains, "is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent times. Ancient Byzantine churches have been uncovered, and locations described by the earliest pilgrims have come to light. We even have descriptions of the liturgies that were celebrated here.”
The episode also includes the testimony of pilgrim Rosaria Del Fabbro.