Why Pilgrimage ?

Pilgrimage -- when did it begin?
​​​Pilgrimage to the Holy Land predates Christianity!  God fearing Gentiles and Jews of the diaspora -- all felt the call to make the sacred journey to Jerusalem.  The most famous early Christian pilgrim to Jerusalem and the Holy Land was St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine and patron saint of new discoveries.  Her pilgrimage, in the early fourth century, identified many of the sacred sites still visited by pilgrims today.  Helena caused great churches to be built at important locations such as the place of Jesus’ nativity in Bethlehem and his death and burial in Jerusalem. Since then, the faithful have been making the trek to the Holy Land to draw closer to Jesus by walking in his footsteps and the footsteps of his disciples.

St. Jerome  - a 4th C Doctor of the Church, spent years living in the crypt of the Church of the Nativity while translating the Bible into Latin -- (what we call the Vulgate).  Jerome called the Holy Land the Fifth Gospel -- because spending time in the Holy Land so often has a profound spiritual affect upon pilgrims.

Holy Land Pilgrimage: Why?

Even many years later, people describe their pilgrimage to the Holy Land as life-changing.  It is difficult to find words to explain the joy and spiritual refreshment they experience because of this unique spiritual adventure.

To follow in the footsteps of Jesus, is an experience of drawing closer to Jesus and rediscovering the roots of Christian faith.  For many pilgrims, the Bible seems to gain more meaning and it's stories "come to life" because of visiting the locations.  You feel like you have “stepped into the story.”

It is not just the Holy Places.  Many are deeply moved by contact with the ‘living stones’ – the Christians who live out their lives in this land – and who seek to be bridges for peace and reconciliation. It is profoundly moving to go to the places were Jesus ministered and to meet believers who worship in churches founded by the Apostles.  It is deeply moving to experience the rich tapestry of religious life that you discover in ever corner of the Holy Land. 

Very often deep and lasting friendships are forged with fellow pilgrims with whom you travel.  Jesus said: “And he said to them, "Follow me…” (Matt. 4:19)*
You are invited to join us on our Holy Land Pilgrimage departing October 27, 2017.
Are you wondering -- Is this for me?  Click here.