Goodbye Holy Land

The sun set for the final time on our pilgrimage, as I enjoyed the fellowship with my traveling companions at our farewell dinner today. 

Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea!

It's hard to believe a mere ten days ago, I was preparing for the trip of a lifetime. In some ways, it feels like the Holy Land has been my home for weeks on end. And yet in other ways, I feel as though I have only just arrived. When we prayed our novena, prior to our trip, there was a line that read something to the extent may I never be the same after going to the Holy Land. The Lord has answered this prayer and so many others in the last ten days. I went to the Holy Land as a person in love with the Lord, and I have left the Holy Land with an ever-deeper love of the Lord, gratitude for His gift of life and sacrifice, and a deeper understanding of my Catholic Christian faith. I have been renewed in my zeal to live a life that strives for sainthood (holiness) through daily prayer. I desire to share the blessings of this pilgrimage with family and friends, as well as students and strangers. You see, the Lord touched my heart in a profound way over the past ten days, as many of the pilgrims in my group experienced. When you trace the footsteps of Christ, receive His gift of the Eucharist where he died and rose, and reflect on His saving works, how can you not be changed? I know it will take me days, weeks, even months to process the experience I had in the Holy Land. My prayer is that it will lead to a lifetime of gratitude and evangelization. 

Friends to share the journey with! 

Our final day in the Holy Land threw us a few curve balls, but it was a good day! We were scheduled to go to the site of the Transfiguration, Mt. Tabor. Unfortunately, the shuttles needed to access the site were not running today for some reason. As a result, we were not able to go to this holy site. So, we got back on the bus and continued driving south towards Mt. Carmel. Here, in the third largest city in Israel, Haifa, we had lunch that can with a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea. The typical Mediterranean fare capped off ten days of family style meals, served in three courses. We have definitely had our fair share of hummus, pita bread, salads, and chicken. :) After lunch, we drove a short way to the church we were going to use for celebrating Mass, since we were unable to do so on Mt Tabor. 

Lunch with friends that have become family this week! 

A side note here of explanation...The Catholic Church is comprised of a variety of rites. For example, there is the Latin Rite (Roman Catholics), the Byzantine Rite, the Maronite Rite, etc. Each of these rites have a very different way of celebrating the liturgy, but they are all Catholic. In Israel, the most common rite is the Byzantine Rite. The Melkite Catholic Churches are in the Byzantine Rite. Byzantines, unlike Roman Catholics, do not use unleavened bread for communion. The Byzantine Rite however uses leavened bread. Because this church was a Melkite Catholic Church, they did not have hosts for us to use. Luckily, the priest traveling with us is a biritual priest. This means he has the faculties (permission from the bishop) to say both theRoman  Catholic Mass and the Byzantine Divine Liturgy. Therefore, he celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite. It was an interesting experience. This was my second time attending Byzantine Divine Liturgy. It is very different from the Roman Catholic Mass I am used to, and I had no ideas what was going on or what I was supposed to do. However, it is beautiful to be exposed to other rites within our church and experience how they pray and celebrate Liturgy. 

After Mass, we headed to Caesarea, an ancient town from the time of King Herod. This town, today, is a combination of past and present. On the shore of the Mediterranean Sea lies the ruins of a past once filled with chariot horse races, Roman theater, and a beautiful palace for the king. It is also the place where St Paul was imprisoned after his second mission trip for two years, before being sent to Rome to be tried. Here, we reflected on how sharing the faith can lead to persecution, martyrdom, awkwardness, and vulnerability. But, once the faith is shared, it takes the evangelizer to a place where only Jesus can fill their heart, and this is all that is needed to overcome the fear that may be a result of sharing the faith. We were challenged to keep our resolution to spend time in prayer, to remain open and say yes to the Lord, and to help make our churches and schools unstoppable, as the first church was in the time of the Acts of the Apostles. 

Ruins of Caesarea! 

Ruins of the palace of King Herrod.

As I journey home Lord, and in the days and weeks to come, I pray for the grace to continue to reap and live the blessings of this pilgrimage. Strengthen me in my resolve to live a life of prayer, a life devoted to sharing Your light and love with all I meet. Equip me with what I need to share about You and Your saving work. Jesus, thank you- thank you for this experience and for the gift of You, my Savior, my Lord, my redeemer, my friend, my all in all. Amen

Smoy friends with our guide (Jack) and bus drive (Yassir)! 

Blessings, 

Julie 

Jesus' BFF- Peter!

Today was all about Jesus' best friend, Peter, and the ministry of Jesus. It was an amazing day! Most of the pilgrims share this feeling, and yet we can't pinpoint exactly why. Perhaps it's because we all relate to Peter. He was so real, so human, so authentic. I think most of us can identify with him in his desire to follow Jesus, his moments of denying Jesus, and his drive to build the kingdom here on Earth. Or perhaps it was the focus on Jesus' ministry, and as teachers we can all relate to this. Or maybe it was the focus on the Eucharist and how Jesus meets each of us in the breaking of the bread, just as he did with his disciples after the Resurrection. Regardless, it was a day filled with an abundance of grace! 

Our day began with a visit to Capernum. This town is located just a few miles away from Tiberius where we are staying. Here, we were able to see the ruins of the Synagogue and Simon Peter's house. It was in this place that Jesus gave the promise of the Eucharist. We reflected on how of all of Jesus' miracles, the most miraculous was Jesus making himself known to us in the breaking of bread. When we met Jesus in the Eucharist, we need to leave our whole heart there. He desires to pour himself and his love upon us, if we invite him to. After an amazing talk by our guide, we went into the church, located directly above the ruins of Simon Peter's house. We had Mass here, and I had the opportunity to lector. What a blessing! I love proclaiming God's word, and it made it so special to do so in this holy place. Fr Thomas reminded us in the homily that God's time (kairos) is not our time. Therefore, each time we celebrate Mass together, reading the word and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, we are truly present right when that was happening. 

Simon Peter's house ruins! 

Ruins of the synagogue across from Simon Peter's house! 

Lectoring at Mass at the church of St Peter! 

Statue of St Peter in front of Sea of Galilee! 

After Capernum, we headed to the location where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. We reflected on how life in Christ is never lacking. He always has abundance for us, as He did by making the loaves and fish abundant, and he always has more to pour upon us, if we remain open to Him and His workings in our lives. 

John teaching at the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes! 

After a few minutes of silent prayer, we traveled by bus to the seashore of the Sea of Galilee. We rode a boat in the Sea of Galilee and were able to observe all of the sites we have visited over the past few days from a different perspective. We were treated to a demonstration of how the fishermen of Jesus' time casted their nets over the side. We also learned that in this freshwater Sea, there are nine species of fish. We reflected on putting out into the deep. Where is Jesus asking me to put out into the deep and give more? Definitely something to reflect on...

A view of the boat we were on! 

St Margaret girls on the boat! 

Demonstration of casting nets into the deep! 

This was what the boats looked like in Jesus' time! 

After lunch, our final stop of the day was to the Primacy of Peter. It was here that Jesus called Peter and Andrew to come into the shore, after His resurrection. Jesus prepared fish over a charcoal fire, and it was, again, in the breaking of the bread, that his disciples recognized him. Jesus is inviting us to share his life and show us his mission so that we can live it. We were able to see the actual rock upon which Jesus prepared the meal. We had personal prayer time on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. And, we had the beautiful opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation from Father Thomas, who was in the person of Christ. How amazing to receive His mercy where he showed His mercy and love to his disciples. John, our guide, reminded us that "repentance is when you so profoundly find God's love andare wrapped  in it. Then, we can become more like it."

Praying at the Prinacy of Peter! 

Rock upon which Jesus placed the food he prepared for his disciples! 

Jesus, thank you for the incredible blessings today. Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your invitation to join you in Your mission. Give me the grace to respond with a generous yes today and always! Amen

Blessings, 

Julie 

To Jesus Through Mary

I woke up a bit early to capture the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. Oh my goodness- our Lord does not disappoint! It was so stunning and breathtaking! What a way to start the day! 

This morning our day began with a trip to Cana. This is the location of the first miracle of Jesus and the beginning of his public ministry. We were blessed to celebrate Mass here, and the four married couples on our trip renewed their vows, which was awesome! While at the church, we were able to see one of the jugs that the waiters at the wedding used to fill with water, that Jesus then changed into wine. We reflected on the goodness of God and how He always desires to continue to pour out His graces and blessings upon us. This church held special significance for me, as Adam and I are preparing for marriage. I was able to pray in a special way for the Lord to lavish blessings upon our marriage and family. We also reflected on how Mary leads us to Her Son, Jesus. 

Outside of the church where the wedding feast at Cana took place! 

Jug, originally used for ceremonial Jewish cleansing rituals, that the waiters used to fill with water. Jesus turned this water into wine! 

Couples from our group renewing their wedding vows. 

Lighting a candle and praying for our upcoming  marriage and family! 

After Cana, we journeyed to Nazareth. Here, we visited the Basilica of the Annunciation. We first saw ruins of Joseph's house and workshop, which are in the crypt of the church. We had a good amount of time spend in prayer, and we reflected on Joseph's prudence and his need and dependence on God, just like us! 

Ruins of St Joseph's house and workshop! 

We then walked right next door to the other church, which is where Saints Ann and Joachim (Mary's parents) lived. It was here that the angel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the the mother of God. Her yes to doing God's will is why we, today, have the opportunity to go to heaven and be with her and her Son for all eternity. It was so amazing to see the site where the angel appeared. Here we were able to join in praying the Angelus prayer with the Franciscan Friars who take care of the church. It was a beautiful liturgy. I also was able to light a candle for my mom in this church on the day of her surgery. (God answers prayers! Her surgery went better than expected and she didn't have to stay overnight, which was the original plan. Thank you Mary for interceding for her!) In the basilica, countries throughout the world have donated art depicting Our Lady. It was beautiful to see the different representations of Our Lady. My favorite was the one from Singapore, depicting children on earth and in Heaven praying to her! 

Lighting a candle for my mom! 

Art from Singapore depicting Our Lady and the children! 

Mary's home (behind the altar) where the angel Gabriel appeared! 

After lunch, we journeyed for quite sometime to the mountain where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount. Here, we were met with a paradise of sorts. The flora and fauna was beautiful in the area, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Our guide led us to reflect on how Jesus used the Beatitudes to call us to a higher standard of living. We trekked down to the cave where Jesus went alone to pray. On our way down, we saw the spot where the multiplication of loaves and fishes occurred.

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes (photo credit to Megan Pacitti)

Praying and reflecting on the Beatitudes 

Church of the Beatitudes 

Cave where Jesus went alone to pray 

Our day ended at the bottom of the hill after the trek down from the cave. It opened to a road which lead to a path that took us to the only waterfall in Israel. This waterfall, called Seven Springs, is a natural spring where Peter and Andrew cleaned their nets after fishing. It was here that Jesus called them to drop their nets and become fishers of men. It was such a lovely spot to spend time in the water, viewing the Sea of Galilee, and marveling at God's beauty. 

Admiring the waterfall! 

Sea of Galilee in the background! 

Jesus, thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for allowing me to trace your footsteps and visit the places you ministered and taught at. Jesus, may I strive to always follow your footsteps and draw others, especially my students, closer to you. Amen

Blessings, 

Julie 

Goodbye Jerusalem- Hello Gallilee!

This morning wrapped up our time in Jerusalem. It seems like just yesterday we arrived in this beautiful city, full of history of our Christian faith and the life and death of Jesus. We began our day with Mass in Jesus' empty tomb. A chapel has been built around the empty tomb of Jesus, with a marble slab being placed directly above the tomb to be used as an altar. All 47 of us pilgrims packed into the chapel. While Father Thomas was saying Mass, in small groups we entered the room where the empty tomb was an were able to touch the tomb. It was such an intimate moment to be with our Lord in the Eucharist, alive in our hearts, venerating his empty tomb. Christ is risen from the dead! Alleluia! Because of this, our entire lives are different, and the knowledge of this should cause us to live our lives in a way that is different- a way filled with joy, with hope, with longing to be with Him in paradise one day. During my time in the tomb, I was able to pray in a special way for some friends and family who are carrying tough crosses right now- my mom, my student Katie, and my other student Julia and her family. My prayer for them, and all those whom I brought on pilgrimage through my intentions, was that our Risen Christ would bring them hope as they, and we all, carry the cross Christ has entrusted to us. 

Fr Thomas praying Mass at the tomb of Jesus!

St Margaret teachers and staff in front of the chapel built around the tomb of Jesus. 

Our pilgrimage group on the steps of the church of the Holy Sepulcher, which houses Calvary and the tomb of Jesus. 

After Mass and packing up, we visited Dominus Flevit. It is here that Jesus, as He approached the city of Jerusalem for Passover  before the Last Supper, wept over the city of Jerusalem. The spot held beautiful views of the city we have called home and found our Christian roots in over the past few days. We were reminded by our leader John that Christ desires to continue to pour out His blessings and graces upon our pilgrimage. Christ always desires more for each of us because He loves each of us so very much. 

St Margaret friends with Jerusalem in the background. 

Our School of Faith pilgrimage group! 

After lunch, we departed for the region of Galilee. Here, we will trace the footsteps of Jesus and his ministry.we are staying at s hotel  in Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us during the remaining days of our pilgrimage. 

Jesus, thank you for this incredible gift of pilgrimage. Continue to draw me closer to you each day, and may this pilgrimage strengthen me in my pilgrimage towards you in this life and the next. Amen

Blessings, 

Julie 

An Evening of Leisure in the Holy Land

As I am sure you have seen and read from my previous posts, we have been incredibly blessed to see, visit, and pray at many sites over the past few days. As you can also imagine, we have had very jam packed days. We never know what is coming next, prior to a moment's notice, but it is always spectacular. Even so, as a pilgrim, these long days can lead to some tired pilgrims. So, when we found out we had some leisure time yesterday afternoon, the group from St Margaret of York jumped at the opportunity to visit the Old City and wind our way through the bazaars, or markets. 

These packed streets of merchants, pedestrians, pilgrims, and tourists milling about can be quite the site. Shop owners barter constantly and call out for you to come check out their shop. The interesting part of this whole thing is that most of these shops lie in the Christian quarter. Yet, the merchants are primarily Muslim. It is not uncommon to hear or see these shop owners talking harshly towards one another or even yelling at times, as we witnessed yesterday. The stalls have everything from religious items, to scarves, to leather bags. The sights, sounds, and smells overwhelm the senses at times, but the experience is totally worth it. 

In the bazaar in the Old City of Jerusalem! 

As we ventured further into the streets, we came across stands with a variety of foods native to the area. Some stalls sold ingredients, some sold spices, and some sold hot food for purchase. Those of you who know me well know that I can be quite a picky eater. But, I stepped out on a limb and tried a kebab. Luckily for me, the merchant allowed me to try some of the ingredients before deciding what to put into my kebab, which came in a pita. After tasting a few things, I settled on some chicken from the grill, a cucumber-garlic-yogurt mixture, and a cucumber-tomato mix. I must say it was quite delicious and vey filling!

Enjoying a kebab in the streets of Jerusalem! 

A few of the food items for sale at the bazaar! 

Afterwards, we enjoyed some time at a local restaurant enjoying time with other pilgrims from our group while having a drink. Upon returning to our hotel, the girls from St Margaret enjoyed spending time on the balcony sharing life and conversation with one another! 

Enjoying life and a taste of Israeli wine with dear friends! 

What a blessing the evening was! An evening of leisure was needed to re-fill my energy so that I can enter more deeply into pilgrimage in the coming days. We had a wonderful teaching from John Leyendecker, our guide and teacher at the School of Faith, on leisure earlier in the day. He reminded us that in a world that is constantly moving, and especially for us teachers, we tend to constantly be moving and having things to do, leading to exhaustion or hyperactivity. He reminded us that "without leisure we cannot be who we are meant to be. In leisure, we receive and participate in a reality greater than us." Having leisure time to read, pray, spend time in conversation with others, enjoy nature, or just be is so necessary. 

Jesus, help me to remember to take time for leisure. In doing so, may I be re-energized to evangelize and share your life and love with others, being the person you have called me to be. Amen

Blessings, 

Julie

"Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?"

Each time Good Friday rolls around in the liturgical year, we sing this song (Were You There) as the cross is venerated. This ancient tradition dates back many centuries, and is a way for us to share our love and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross, which ultimately won for us freedom, salvation, and eternal life. For the past 31 years, I, too, have participated in this veneration of the cross. Yet, perhaps today, my heart was forever changed as I stood in the jail that Jesus was held in after his arrest, prior to going before Pontius Pilate on Good Friday, which lead to his crucifixion and his death. 

Our morning began early- very early! We awoke and gathered in the lobby to walk to the Via Dolorosa, where we would trace Jesus' steps on His final day on Earth as he made His way towards Calvary. As we reflected on his suffering at each station, I found myself immersed in His world and His struggle. Like how Jesus finished His walk on Calvary, so too was our walk completed there. We had the opportunity to venerate the stone on which His cross laid. We then participated in the sacrifice of the Mass in a chapel, also on Calvary. As Father lifted the consecrated host and chalice, I united my sacrifices and the prayer intentions everyone sent me to that of Jesus' continual sacrifice for us so that we might receive Him, be nourished by Him, and be transformed by Him. 

Church built upon the spot Jesus was scouraged and beaten on Good Friday. 

Station 5 on the Via Dolorosa

After Mass, we toured the rest of the Holy Sepulchre. It was interesting to learn that all of the Christian churches (Catholic, Armenian, Orthodox, Syrian, etc) own a piece of that specific church. Our guide took us to the part that the Catholic Church owns. We also saw a tomb similiar to how Jesus' tomb looked back in the day before a chapel was build upon it for veneration. Something I have been reflecting on while here in the Holy Land is being Christian. In the states, there is such division between Christians. If you ask someone their religion, you will hear things like "I am Catholic", "I am non-denominational", "I am an evangelical Christian", etc. Yet here, when someone asks what religion you are, they are wanting to know simply if you are Jewish, Muslim, or Christian. Despite the divisions of the many forms of Christianity present here, such as Roman Catholic, Byzantine, Armenian Catholic, Greek Orthodox, etc. there is a sense of unity, of being one in Christ, as brother and sister believers. How beautiful! 

My principal, Kevin, lecturing at Mass on Calvary. 

After breakfast, we saw the church that houses the tomb Mary was placed in before her Assumption into Heaven. In a church right next to that, we visited what used to be a cave. It was called the Cave of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus and his apostles went after the Last Supper. 

Church of the tomb of Mary

Cave of Gethsemane where Jesus gathered with His apostles to pray after the Last Supper 

Later in the day, we visited the house of Caiaphus, who put Jesus in jail and had him tried by Pontius Pilate. Here, we also stood in the jail cell Jesus was held in. How awful to think of my Lord and my God being there by himself that night....yet it was all for me and you. 

The hole of an old cistern used as a jail cell to hold Jesus prior to Good Friday

We also visited a church where Peter denied Jesus three times. Here we saw the Byzantine icons depicting the scenes of his denial and reflected on how holiness (being a Saint) isn't about how holy we are, but rather about how quickly we get up when we fall. Jesus is always there saying, "Come back to me..." whenever we fall. If only we understood how much He delights in us and desires us to be one with Him. 

Church of Peter's denial 

After lunch, we were blessed to have a tour of an exhibit on the shroud of Turin, the burial cloth believed to have been the cloth Jesus was wrapped in once his body was taken down from the cross and purified, before being placed in the tomb. 

Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for loving me and dying for me, so that one day I too may join you in a Heaven and glorify you for all eternity. Amen 

Our afternoon and evening was one of leisure, of which I will share in another post while on our bus ride to Galilee tomorrow. This three hour journey will take us to the heart of where Jesus lived and ministered, prior to his final week here in Jerusalem, for the remaining five days of our pilgrimage. 

Jerusalem in the background 

Blessings, 

Julie