Where His Body Was Laid: A Journey to the Stone of Anointing
In the heart of Jerusalem, where Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection unfolded, we visit one of the most sacred places pilgrims long to see: the Stone of Anointing.
Located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this is the only place in the world where Christians can bring objects to be blessed - without the presence of a priest.
Stay with me as we reflect on the meaning of this sacred place.
As we approach the church - the holiest site in Christianity - we come to the very place where the cross once stood, where the tomb now lies empty, and where His victory over death is remembered.
Here, after His body was taken down from the cross, Jesus was lovingly prepared for burial.
Just beyond the entrance, the Stone of Anointing welcomes every visitor.
Countless pilgrims kneel here each day. And once you’ve stood at this place - or bowed your head in its presence - you never forget it.
It leaves a feeling that lingers in the heart for a lifetime.
To understand its meaning, we turn to the Gospel, beautifully depicted in the mosaic behind the stone.
Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus - though secretly, for fear of the Jews - asked Pilate for permission to take His body. Pilate agreed.
So Joseph came and took the body away. Nicodemus, who had once come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes - about seventy-five pounds in weight.
They took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, following the Jewish burial customs.
Near the place of crucifixion, there was a garden - and in that garden, a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. Because it was the day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Within the walls of this one church are all three sacred places: the site of the Crucifixion, the Stone of Anointing, and the Holy Sepulchre.
In past centuries, pilgrims would break off small pieces of the stone to carry home.
To protect it, the stone was covered in gray marble in 1550.
After a fire in 1808 and a later renovation, the gray plate disappeared. Today, the stone is covered in pale pink marble, just as we see it now.
The meaning of this place lies in remembrance - of Christ’s sacrifice, the hope of resurrection, and the belief that this is where His body once lay… and where prayers still rise to the Savior.
Pilgrims from around the world bow and kiss the stone. Some kneel. Some touch it.
Some stand in silence - each one bringing their heart before God.
Those who come in faith believe that objects touched here carry a blessing - a reflection of devotion, hope, and a plea for Christ’s mercy.
A cross. A rosary. A sacred icon. Anything placed on the Stone of Anointing becomes more than a symbol - it becomes a gift of deep meaning, whether for those who visit or for loved ones waiting at home.
And there is no reason to doubt the reality of this power.
Believers who kneel at the stone often describe a peace that cannot be fully explained - but is deeply felt.
Even among the crowds, there is stillness. A quiet. A calm.
Many close their eyes, overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to be in Jerusalem, perhaps only once in their life.
As we leave the Stone of Anointing, pilgrims continue their path along the Via Dolorosa, retracing Christ’s final walk.
For those who wish to discover more, I’ve also visited other sacred places here in Jerusalem - including the site of the Crucifixion and the Holy Tomb.
If this touched your heart, I invite you to stay with me on this journey.
If you’ve already been here, I’d love to hear what you felt.
And if you hope to come one day, feel free to share your thoughts.
Finally - as war and suffering continue in the world - I ask you, from my heart: please pray for peace.
Thank you for sharing this journey.
God bless you.