Tabgha—Site of the Multiplication of Loaves

Tabgha is the name of a site on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus appeared after his resurrection (John 21), and where he multiplied loaves and fishes to feed the crowds gathered to hear him teach.

The name, Tabgha, has its roots in the Greek term for “seven springs” (see it on a map here). The place used to be the site of a Palestinian village and was important from ancient times because of its fresh water; trees that grew near the springs gave shade. It is not hard to imagine why Jesus might have gathered followers here to teach them for a day.

The present church preserves within some of its walls remains of a church that stood here in the late 300s. When that earlier church was excavated in 1936, archeologists discovered a mosaic around a block of naked limestone. The mosaic depicted two fish and a basket of loaves. Ancient accounts identify the block of limestone as the place where Jesus broke and blessed the bread that was multiplied and shared with the crowds. The new, modern church preserves this rock below its altar (pictured above).

It is difficult to tell if this was actually the exact place where Jesus multiplied the loaves, but it is clear that at least since 425, Christians have thought so.

The modern church replicates the style of the Byzantine church that would have been built after St. Helen’s visit to the Holy Land, even using some of the same stones from the original church. The only imagery in the church is found in two icons stationed near the sanctuary—one of Mary and one of Jesus.

The story of the multiplication of the loaves is the only miracle (aside from Jesus’ resurrection) that is recorded in all four Gospels. The story has captured the imagination of the Christian community because it reveals a deep truth about our lives of faith: God feeds us abundantly.

Spend a few moments here in silent prayer with a group of pilgrims from Notre Dame.

Scripture Passages Associated with this Site