Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 29, 2002
Video offers bird's-eye view of Holy Land, Holy City
'Over Holy Ground' provides exhilarating look at biblical lands
By Patrick Dorn
At ground level in the Holy Land, ancient enemies are locked in a violent struggle to learn to coexist in a region three world religions claim as their own. Meanwhile, viewed from just a few hundred feet up, the Middle East is a place of startlingly stark landscapes, breathtaking vistas of ruins from past civilizations, and remote fortresses of faith punctuated by thriving metropolitan oases of vitality. "Over Holy Ground" offers a unique bird's-eye view and whirlwind tour of the Holy Land, and also Vatican City.
The 30-minute video, produced by Ignatius Press and St. Joseph Productions, consists exclusively of aerial footage of the Holy Land's most popular pilgrimage sites, recorded from a helicopter that dives toward particular points of interest, banks and circles around others, and sweeps with abandon over rocky outcroppings, through steep canyons, above verdant farmland and along sparkling coastlines. Subtitles identify the various locales, accompanied by narrated passages from Scripture that are associated with each spot, along with a majestic and inspirational musical score.
Viewers may want to install seat belts on their living room recliners, as "Over Holy Ground" induces the exhilaration and occasional vertigo of an exciting helicopter excursion over land and sea. The ride is for the most part smooth, but unexpected changes of direction and frequent cutting from one scene to the next can sometimes be disorienting.
The video makes only a half-hearted attempt to present the events of Scripture chronologically. It begins appropriately in Egypt, with panoramic views of the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza/Cairo, the Sinai Desert, Mount Horeb, the site of the burning bush, and Mount Sinai. References alternate between Moses, the Exodus and Elijah before the flying camera speeds over to the Mediterranean coast of Israel and the ruins of Caesarea, accompanied by quotes from the Acts of the Apostles. Desolate, barren desert landscapes give way to achingly beautiful coastlines with aqua waves breaking against pure white beaches.
In quick succession, the viewer flies over the Carmel mountain range, Mount Tabor and the site of the Transfiguration, the Sea of Galilee and Caesarea Philippi. The helicopter follows along the Jordan River both above and below the Sea of Galilee, soaring over precipices, down into valleys and over forests, nearly brushing the treetops before circling the teeming metropolis of Nazareth.
The camera zooms in on the Church of the Beatitudes in Capernaum, passes Bethsaida and flies over the Judean wilderness, approaching the mountain fortress of Masada, the Dead Sea and Hebron. More familiar sites include Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, Jerusalem's Temple Mount, the old walled city, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Mount of Olives and the Western Wall.
Next, the viewer visits Turkey, especially Ephesus, Smyrna and Istanbul/Constantinople, and lingers over Nicea, where the Nicene Creed was adopted by the ecumenical council, before moving on to Greece, with the idyllic island of Patmos, where St. John was exiled, Corinth and Athens. "Over Holy Ground" concludes with a visit to Italy, following the Appian Way and the Tiber River to the Basilica of St. Sebastian, the Forum, Colosseum, and finally circling around Vatican City and the Basilica of St. Peter.
One of the video's more questionable achievements is how it successfully avoids showing people on the ground below. Except for a flock of sheep stampeded by the helicopter, and a few stationary individuals in a monastery garden or two, "Over Holy Ground" is nearly devoid of life. Even St. Peter's Square is deserted. It's almost as if the producers wanted the video to appeal to armchair tourists who prefer to enjoy geological and man-made landmarks without the clutter of crowds. With political events the way they are in the region, it's difficult to freely indulge in the guilty pleasure of rising above it all, but the video does offer a temporary and ultimately relaxing escape from the troubles. Perhaps a heavenly perspective of the region is valuable after all.
While standing, or rather flying on its own, "Over Holy Ground" also serves as a "teaser" for Stephen K. Ray's 10-part "Footprints of God" video series, a dynamic project offering ground-level teaching on the saga of salvation from Abraham to Augustine through the eyes of the Church and recorded in the actual locations where key events transpired. "Over Holy Ground" is a new release and is available directly through Fort Collins-based Ignatius Press, at 1-800-651-1531, on the web at www.ignatius.com, or through your local Catholic bookstore.
Contact Us
