Inside the traditional upper room
our group outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (thanks, Dennis!) walking the way of the cross
Inside the traditional upper room
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We gathered early for the Via Dolorosa - carrying the cross, praying and singing through the streets of Old Jerusalem - the same way our Savior walked. We venerated the rock of Calvary - the place of his crucifixion, and the tomb where he was laid and the site of the resurrection. Mass was celebrated in the Crusaders' Chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. After lunch we enjoyed some free time in Old Jerusalem before going to the Western (Wailing) Wall. Praying the Our Father in various languages at the Pater Noster Church was a fitting way to end our pilgrimage today.
Despite rain nearly all day long, as we said goodbye to Bethlehem many moving experiences awaited us: mass in the Franciscan Cenacle chapel, visits to the traditional Upper Room and Dormition Abbey, lunch in a kibbutz cafeteria, and the sorrow of St Peter in Gallicantu and the Garden of Gethsemane church.
Due to an overbooking error at our original hotel, they have us staying at the King David, a most luxurious (and un-Lenten, but we'll offer it up!) accommodation. Tomorrow we will begin the day by walking the Way of the Cross and Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Please accept my apologies for not posting photos here- the wifi is slow, but perhaps it will be better tomorrow. All is well and peaceful. here are photos from our visit to the birthplace of Jesus, in the Church of the Nativity, and outside in the courtyard Our first full day in Bethlehem began at Shepherd's Field where Angels announced the birth of the savior to shepherds in the field. We joined pilgrims from other lands in the little church there singing "Silent Night" in multiple languages.
We celebrated Sunday Mass with the local parish - St. Catherine's. Three faith communities have churches at the holy site of the nativity - Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian. We came bearing gifts for the children of Bethlehem and placed them below the infant Jesus. After Mass we venerated the birthplace of our Lord Jesus and the place where he was laid in the manger. Our afternoon concluded with a stop at the Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Shop, so that we can come home bearing gifts to loved ones back home. Folks back home, we know you want to see your friends and family- here are a few for you! Today we said farewell to the beautiful Mount of Beatitudes, and headed into the hill country. In order to reach the top of Mt Tabor, we boarded vans and enjoyed a winding ride. Mass was lovely, recalling the Transfiguration of the Lord. Driving through the valley of Armageddon, Our stellar guide Maher helped us understand the landscape and history of the area. Entering the region of Judah, we visited the town of Ein Karem, and the churches of the Visitation and of the birthplace of John the Baptist. (And a welcome break for gelato!)
Tonight we checked into our hotel in Bethlehem, warmly welcomed and so well-fed! Tomorrow, we'll join the local Catholic community for Mass, and visit the Church of the Nativity to honor the place where the Word became Flesh. |
AuthorsLynn Sale and Cathy Rusin are the Group Coordinators for this Pilgrimage. Archives
January 2017
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