Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Some thoughts on the trip
There were 47 of us – 11 from Kill O’The Grange and 36 from St. Brigid’s, Cabinteely. The company included one Monsignor (Father Conor Ward), one retired Parish Priest (Father Tom O’Keeffe) and Ferran our Rector. Thoughts, songs, prayers, however, were not confined to them. We were enriched by each other’s gifts and spirituality. The Pilgrimage began with a five hour flight from Dublin to Tel Aviv, then a’bus trek to Tiberias.
Picture taken on the Sea of Galilee … any suggestions for a title, email nletter@kotg.ie
[Photo: James Darling]
The week’s programme included a sunrise service by the Sea of Galilee, walking the Way of the Cross through Jerusalem (with prayers, and readings specially compiled), a float in the Dead Sea, lunch in a Druze village, a service on the Sea of Galilee, a trek to the Monastery of the Temptation, visits to Nazareth, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Caesarea (by the sea), Jericho and of course Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives [Photo: James Darling]
We met some fine local Palestinian Christians as well as Israeli kibbitzniks. There were many surprises; seeing a newly excavated boat dating to the time of Jesus, a panoramic view of northern Israel from Mount Carmel, spontaneous hymn singing in the Church of the Nativity, and a very moving talk given by Sr. Patricia, a Maltese nun, about her work among impoverished families in Bethlehem. We had a week and two travel days, “the week that was”. Back in Dublin we will, each in our different way, be reflecting on the experience. I for one will find it an excellent preparation for Advent and Christmas.
Bert Van Embden
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel
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The group from Kill O’The Grange and Cabinteely Parishes, with their guide Nabil Hazboun, a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem. Nabil is standing on the far left of the picture.
[Photo: Zaki A. A. Zaarour]