The pilgrimage begins with four nights in Jerusalem, staying at The Knight’s Palace in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. This is followed by two nights in Bethlehem and three in the Galilee. As with all pilgrimages, the highlight of each day is the celebration of Mass together. Of course, in the Holy Land, this is in unforgettable locations tangibly connected with the mystery of our salvation: The Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane, the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, St. Peter’s House in Capernaum, the grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth and Elijah’s cave at Stella Maris in Haifa.
Very importantly, on the Sunday, we join with one of the local parishes in Bethlehem for Mass in Arabic. This connects us with the ‘living stones’, fellow Catholics who live in such difficult conditions of occupation.
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land embraces all aspects of life. The sights, sounds and smells of Jerusalem and the Holy Land mingle with its amazing Jewish, Christian and Muslim spirituality, unique history and tortured present. Not without reason is the Holy Land sometimes called ‘The Fifth Gospel’, helping the Scriptures to come alive. There is nothing to compare with this pilgrimage and I encourage all who are able to consider coming in future years.
