As we journey deeper into Holy Week, we are confronted again with the deadly reality of sin, and comforted by the victory of the resurrection. May you find your own story within the Scriptures of our beautiful Triduum services, and rejoice in a renewed faith and spirit this Easter!
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Today is Solemnity of the Annunciation, the day we celebrate with great joy Mary's acceptance of the angel's invitation to become the mother of Jesus.
In Luke's Gospel we read, "The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The Virgin's name was Mary." This feast we celebrate isn't just some theological concept- it's an event in a particular place, with specific people... that changed our world forever! The inscription in the cave chapel at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is in Latin, but translated to English it reads, "The Word was made flesh here" one word that makes all the difference for our salvation! - Cathy Naturally, many people are concerned with the violence in the Middle East. Why should we put ourselves in danger? Here's what I would like you to know:
So- fear is real. But know that we would never put you in jeopardy... We WILL offer you a faith adventure that may change your life! - Cathy This January, Lynn Sale and I had the deep privilege of traveling with other group coordinators from around the USA to the Holy Land. We'd both ventured 'across the pond' before, but this was a journey unlike either of us had previously experienced. It is difficult to express what it feels like to stand on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, gazing out over the same water and hills Jesus saw, to kneel and place your hand on the rock of Calvary, to be welcomed so warmly by everyone. Those who have been pilgrims there before us always say, 'you'll never hear the Gospels the same way again', and I agree. My time there in January was not simply a trip - it was a journey that has settled deeply into my soul. And we want to make that experience available to other people. To you. Lynn and I are pleased to be coordinating a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for the parishioners and friends of Holy Infant (Durham) and St. Andrew the Apostle (Apex) February 16-26, 2016. Monsignor John A. Wall (retired but never retiring!) has enthusiastically agreed to serve as a Spiritual Director for our group. We've been working with the wonderful folks at Catholic Travel Centre to develop a special itinerary that balances visiting many important places in the life of Jesus with time for reflection and rest (and shopping). We'll be using this blog to help our pilgrim group prepare for the journey, and plan to post daily updates throughout the pilgrimage itself. Brochures with registration forms will be available around Easter. If you would like to be put on the list to be one of the first to receive one, please submit a request form, found on both the "About" and "Contact" pages. Peace. Shalom. -Cathy |
AuthorsLynn Sale and Cathy Rusin are the Group Coordinators for this Pilgrimage. Archives
January 2017
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