HOLYLAND PILGRIMAGE 2023

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Saturday, March 11th - Bethlehem and the Visitation

Bethlehem and the Visitation

Today we began to explore Jerusalem and its surroundings with a trip to the Shepherd’s Field in Bethlehem.  Here we visited a cave in a field which is likely to be similar to the one spoken of in the Gospel.  The Church of the Nativity also celebrates a spot believed to be the place of Jesus birth.  We also celebrated Mass in this church at the chapel of St. Helen.  Following lunch we moved on to the town of Ein Karem where we were able to visit the church of John the Baptist birth as well as the Church of the Visitation where Mary and Elizabeth met while both were bearing their children. 

  • Time for a bit of shopping

  • Inside a cave in the Shepherds Field

  • Inside the cave

  • The Church at the Shepherds Field

  • Entrance to the Church of the Nativity

  • Mass at St. Helen's Chapel

  • Reading at Mass

  • Father Mike preaching the Gospel

  • Our Pilgrims at Mass

  • At the site of the Nativity beneath the main altar

  • Pilgrims candles in the Nativity Grotto

  • Inside the Church of the Nativity

  • The birthplace of St. John the Baptist

  • The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

  • Bell Tower at the Basilica of the Visitation

  • The view from the mountain

Friday, March 10th - From Jericho to Jerusalem

Jordan to Jerusalem

We departed Galilee this morning on our way to Jerusalem.  Our fist stop was at Mount Tabor, the place of the Transfiguration.  It was a beautiful day to be on a mountaintop!  Then we travelled to Jericho, stopping first at the Church of the Good Shepherd.  After Mass we enjoyed a outdoor lunch on a beautiful summer-like day.  Then we returned to a high point in Jericho to learn about the land and desert surrounding the city.  We also stopped at a huge Sycamore tree in the center of the city.  It is believed to be the tree climbed by Zaccheus who wanted to see Jesus.  Finally we arrived at the historic city of Jerusalem.

  • The view on the way to Mt. Tabor

  • Path to the church of the Transfiguration

  • Church of the Transfiguration

  • At the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jericho

  • Father Mike celebrating Mass

  • At the ancient port of Jericho

  • Learning about the City of Jericho

  • Some fun with Sammy the Camel

  • The Zaccheus Tree

  • Welcome to Jerusalem

Thursday, March 9th - The Ministry of Jesus

Visiting Capernaum, The Mount of Beatitudes, The Sea of Galilee, and Cana

Our pilgrimage today focused on the ministry of Jesus near Capernaum.  We visited the Church of the Multiplication - where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.   We then made our way to the Mount of the Beatitudes where we celebrated Mass overlooking the Sea of Galilee.  We then visited the Church of the Primacy - where Jesus entrusted Peter with being the rock of his church.  We were then treated to a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee which took us back to Capernaum to visit the synagogue and home of Peter.  After lunch - yes fish caught in the sea - we journeyed to Cana where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast.  Couples on our pilgrimage were able to renew their marriage vows in this special church.

Wednesday, March 8th - Theme: Annunciation

Visiting Cesaria by the Sea, Mount Carmel, and Nazareth - the place of the Annunciation

We began the day with a drive to the Mediterranean Sea and the ruins of ancient Caesarea by the Sea.  We then continued to Mount Carmel and the Church that is on this site.  After lunch in Nazareth we celebrated Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation, where Mary received the message of Gabriel announcing they incarnation.   Also on this site is the home and workshop of Joseph. 

Tuesday, March 7th - Arrive in Tel Aviv

Visiting the town of Magdala on the way from Tel Aviv to Galilee

We arrived in Tel Aviv and drove directly to Galilee. We were here early enough to visit the ruins of the home of Mary Magdala and the church and retreat center that is now on the site. We were able to celebrate Mass looking over the Sea of Galilee. It is an amazing spot. We arrived in our hotel just in time to see sunset over the Sea of Galilee.