Howdy, Ya'll...
I just posted an incredible video at Day 6. Go there and watch "Down the Mountain," as our bus driver and good friend Ahmed takes us on an unbelievable journey down the mountain. You won't believe the hairpin turns he had to negotiate.
I have a short interview with him that I will post when I can. In the meantime...go to Day 6 and enjoy.
Blessings to all.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thank God for Our Freedom
Howdy, Ya'll:
Rather than put this post down at Day 5 where it actually took place, I am going to leave it here for a while.
At a time when our freedom and our liberty are being threatened and trampled upon by those who think they should have the power to do whatever they please, we pilgrims had a unique experience. It was an experience that we hardly ever do here in our own country. In the middle of the Sea of Galilee, we stood and sang our National Anthem while our flag was raised. It was a rather moving experience.
Please continue to pray that we will, as a nation, do the right thing and that we will stand up for our freedom. Praise be to God for our freedom and thanks be to God for those who have fought and died to protect and preserve that freedom.
I hope you are blessed by this...I know we were:
Rather than put this post down at Day 5 where it actually took place, I am going to leave it here for a while.
At a time when our freedom and our liberty are being threatened and trampled upon by those who think they should have the power to do whatever they please, we pilgrims had a unique experience. It was an experience that we hardly ever do here in our own country. In the middle of the Sea of Galilee, we stood and sang our National Anthem while our flag was raised. It was a rather moving experience.
Please continue to pray that we will, as a nation, do the right thing and that we will stand up for our freedom. Praise be to God for our freedom and thanks be to God for those who have fought and died to protect and preserve that freedom.
I hope you are blessed by this...I know we were:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The 2012 Pilgrims
Howdy, Ya'll:
I mentioned in an earlier post about the miserable weather day we had in the Old City and I promised an update about how our experience during the day was really very profound. I have not really gotten to that yet...I want to, and I will...but, here is the group picture we took on the steps outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
You can see by our garb how we were affected by the weather. With that said, I hope you can see in our faces the joy we were experiencing having just walked the Stations of the Cross and realizing how very much Jesus loved us by making that same journey for our sakes. We were miserable, but we realized that His journey was MUCH more miserable than ours. And, He did it out of love.
Here is the group photo of the 2012 Pilgrims:
I mentioned in an earlier post about the miserable weather day we had in the Old City and I promised an update about how our experience during the day was really very profound. I have not really gotten to that yet...I want to, and I will...but, here is the group picture we took on the steps outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
You can see by our garb how we were affected by the weather. With that said, I hope you can see in our faces the joy we were experiencing having just walked the Stations of the Cross and realizing how very much Jesus loved us by making that same journey for our sakes. We were miserable, but we realized that His journey was MUCH more miserable than ours. And, He did it out of love.
Here is the group photo of the 2012 Pilgrims:
Monday, February 6, 2012
New Post Alert (2/6/12)
Howdy Ya'll:
I have posted some new videos onto Day 7. It all went under the Sheep Video, so just find the Sheep Video and read what is below it. It is a report on our visit to the birthplace of Jesus.
Blessings to all.
I have posted some new videos onto Day 7. It all went under the Sheep Video, so just find the Sheep Video and read what is below it. It is a report on our visit to the birthplace of Jesus.
Blessings to all.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
New Post Alert (2/5/12)
Howdy, Ya'll...
Today is Sunday, and like most of the pilgrims I am trying to recuperate and get back into the groove. Since I was not assigned at Mass today (I do the schedules,) I had the opportunity to go to Mass and sit with my wife. It was such a gift to be able to be able to sit with her and worship with her on a Sunday.
When I looked at the Gospel as Mass was about to start and saw that it was about the healing of Peter's mother-in-law and how Jesus had gone away to a deserted place for prayer, I leaned over to my wife and said: "We were there and we saw that and we did that." That is just one example of how a trip to the Holy Land will enhance a person's experience of Scripture.
I have added some commentary and pictures to Day 5 pertaining to this very topic. Please scroll down to Day 5 and read the post again to see the new commentary and pictures.
Coming tomorrow: new videos of our visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.
Blessings to all.
Today is Sunday, and like most of the pilgrims I am trying to recuperate and get back into the groove. Since I was not assigned at Mass today (I do the schedules,) I had the opportunity to go to Mass and sit with my wife. It was such a gift to be able to be able to sit with her and worship with her on a Sunday.
When I looked at the Gospel as Mass was about to start and saw that it was about the healing of Peter's mother-in-law and how Jesus had gone away to a deserted place for prayer, I leaned over to my wife and said: "We were there and we saw that and we did that." That is just one example of how a trip to the Holy Land will enhance a person's experience of Scripture.
I have added some commentary and pictures to Day 5 pertaining to this very topic. Please scroll down to Day 5 and read the post again to see the new commentary and pictures.
Coming tomorrow: new videos of our visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.
Blessings to all.
We Are Home! (2/5/12)
Howdy, Ya'll...
We are home...safe, sound, and real TIRED! So, be nice to your pilgrim today. It was a long, long day yesterday.
I will be continuing to post for a while, as I still have a lot of catching up to do now that I have good, solid internet. I plan to post some more descriptions of our days as well as videos and pictures. So check in from time to time.
As always, thank you for following us on the blog and praying for us during the trip.
We are home...safe, sound, and real TIRED! So, be nice to your pilgrim today. It was a long, long day yesterday.
I will be continuing to post for a while, as I still have a lot of catching up to do now that I have good, solid internet. I plan to post some more descriptions of our days as well as videos and pictures. So check in from time to time.
As always, thank you for following us on the blog and praying for us during the trip.
Friday, February 3, 2012
A New Post Alert (2/3/12)
Shalom, Ya'll...
It is our final day here, and in just a short while we will be going to Mass at the Holy Sepulcher, having dinner, and leaving for Tel Aviv and departing on an 11:00 pm flight home. So, this will most likely be the last post while here...I will be working on getting everything posted over the next several days. Your pilgrims will be home, of course, but there will be more videos coming that you may want to watch.
On my final day here, with a little time and relaxation, I finally figured out how to re-order the posts so that they are in proper day order and, therefore, not so confusing.
So, I have now added another new post...Day 8...and it is in the correct order. If you just scroll down to Day 8, you will find it.
Thanks for your prayers.
It is our final day here, and in just a short while we will be going to Mass at the Holy Sepulcher, having dinner, and leaving for Tel Aviv and departing on an 11:00 pm flight home. So, this will most likely be the last post while here...I will be working on getting everything posted over the next several days. Your pilgrims will be home, of course, but there will be more videos coming that you may want to watch.
On my final day here, with a little time and relaxation, I finally figured out how to re-order the posts so that they are in proper day order and, therefore, not so confusing.
So, I have now added another new post...Day 8...and it is in the correct order. If you just scroll down to Day 8, you will find it.
Thanks for your prayers.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day 10: A View of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
Shalom, Ya'll...
I post this early on Thursday, February 2nd, which is Day 10 of our journey.
Today, we are off to Bethany to visit the tomb of Lazarus and celebrate Mass.
Although it was not on our original itinerary, we are going to go to the Dead Sea. There are a number of pilgrims who are committed to floating in the Dead Sea. (Believe me...you won't find me in there!) There are also several other pilgrims committed to have a drink or two a the world's lowest bar. I will try to document both.
Also added to our schedule, which I am glad we did, is a visit to Qumran to see the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
In the meantime, here are some pictures of our Notre Dame Center here in Jerusalem where we are staying. It is a really nice facility with great food, and will hopefully be the Jerusalem home for our next pilgrimage. It is across the street from the New Gate, which makes the Old City very accessible.
A view from the balcony:
And...here's the front of the building:
We are without Fr. Peter again today, so we will have our local Palestinian Catholic guide with us. He was a really nice guy when he guided us a couple of days ago.
More to come.
I post this early on Thursday, February 2nd, which is Day 10 of our journey.
Today, we are off to Bethany to visit the tomb of Lazarus and celebrate Mass.
Although it was not on our original itinerary, we are going to go to the Dead Sea. There are a number of pilgrims who are committed to floating in the Dead Sea. (Believe me...you won't find me in there!) There are also several other pilgrims committed to have a drink or two a the world's lowest bar. I will try to document both.
Also added to our schedule, which I am glad we did, is a visit to Qumran to see the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
In the meantime, here are some pictures of our Notre Dame Center here in Jerusalem where we are staying. It is a really nice facility with great food, and will hopefully be the Jerusalem home for our next pilgrimage. It is across the street from the New Gate, which makes the Old City very accessible.
A view from the balcony:
And...here's the front of the building:
We are without Fr. Peter again today, so we will have our local Palestinian Catholic guide with us. He was a really nice guy when he guided us a couple of days ago.
More to come.
Day 9: This Place is Hopping!
Shalom, Ya'll...
I post this at the end of the Day 9, which was February 1st, after a long day in the Old City.
Wow. What a day. It is amazing how such a horribly lousy weather day can enhance our religious experience in such a powerful way. But, it did. Later, I will share our powerful journey in a cold and miserable rain. ( Ahmed told me they hadn't had this much rain in a long, long time.)
This place (the Notre Dame Center) is really hopping. When we got back to Notre Dame this afternoon, Steve Ray, seen and heard often on EWTN and a consistent Holy Land Group Leader, was checking in to Notre Dame with his group. He and I chatted for a while (we had corresponded over the last couple of years).
As I was dealing with some group issues at the front desk (I am becoming quite the mid eastern negotiator when Fr. Peter's and Ahmed's are not present,) I realized I was standing next to Fr. Jonathon Morris, a regular Catholic priest contributor on Fox News. He and I chatted for a while...what a nice guy. He seemed very sincere despite his "fame." Several of our pilgrims had spotted him and some had talked to him.
Finally, after dinner, we gathered in soon-to-be Cardinal Dolan's part of the dining area so that Fr. Peter could present him with a special gift in appreciation for his (Cardinal Dolan's) contribution to the Franciscan Holy Land Foundation. In case you missed it, Cardinal Dolan is on Fr. Peter's Board of Directors.
Fr. Peter presented the Cardinal with a nice gift from the Holy Land:
After that presentation, Cardinal Dolan suggested that he take a photo with the STA Pilgrims, and we went out into the lobby and did just that. Trust me, folks, the pilgrims were IMPRESSED. And BLESSED.
He mingled for a while, and went on his way for his busy schedule.
Cardinal Dolan and Fr. Peter have a special relationship and it was quite a blessing for us to see and share that interaction today (Wednesday) here in Jerusalem.
So...just wanted to update you on what happened unexpectedly this day.
After having just met with your pilgrims (as we do each night after supper for prayer and reflection), I continue to reiterate that they are coming back home to you this Saturday forever changed. They have been touched by this experience, but they may find it difficult to put into words what they have experienced. I would encourage you to listen to their passion. They will attempt to share their experiences, but it will be their passion that will be what best conveys their experience.
Shalom (peace) to all back home.
I post this at the end of the Day 9, which was February 1st, after a long day in the Old City.
Wow. What a day. It is amazing how such a horribly lousy weather day can enhance our religious experience in such a powerful way. But, it did. Later, I will share our powerful journey in a cold and miserable rain. ( Ahmed told me they hadn't had this much rain in a long, long time.)
This place (the Notre Dame Center) is really hopping. When we got back to Notre Dame this afternoon, Steve Ray, seen and heard often on EWTN and a consistent Holy Land Group Leader, was checking in to Notre Dame with his group. He and I chatted for a while (we had corresponded over the last couple of years).
As I was dealing with some group issues at the front desk (I am becoming quite the mid eastern negotiator when Fr. Peter's and Ahmed's are not present,) I realized I was standing next to Fr. Jonathon Morris, a regular Catholic priest contributor on Fox News. He and I chatted for a while...what a nice guy. He seemed very sincere despite his "fame." Several of our pilgrims had spotted him and some had talked to him.
Finally, after dinner, we gathered in soon-to-be Cardinal Dolan's part of the dining area so that Fr. Peter could present him with a special gift in appreciation for his (Cardinal Dolan's) contribution to the Franciscan Holy Land Foundation. In case you missed it, Cardinal Dolan is on Fr. Peter's Board of Directors.
Fr. Peter presented the Cardinal with a nice gift from the Holy Land:
After that presentation, Cardinal Dolan suggested that he take a photo with the STA Pilgrims, and we went out into the lobby and did just that. Trust me, folks, the pilgrims were IMPRESSED. And BLESSED.
He mingled for a while, and went on his way for his busy schedule.
Cardinal Dolan and Fr. Peter have a special relationship and it was quite a blessing for us to see and share that interaction today (Wednesday) here in Jerusalem.
So...just wanted to update you on what happened unexpectedly this day.
After having just met with your pilgrims (as we do each night after supper for prayer and reflection), I continue to reiterate that they are coming back home to you this Saturday forever changed. They have been touched by this experience, but they may find it difficult to put into words what they have experienced. I would encourage you to listen to their passion. They will attempt to share their experiences, but it will be their passion that will be what best conveys their experience.
Shalom (peace) to all back home.
Day 8: Mt. of Olives, Gethesemen, and The Visitation
Shalom, Ya'll...
Day 8 was another incredible day. The Lord was truly walking with us this day, as He has this entire journey.
We started at the top of the Mt. of Olives at the Ascension Chapel, built to commemorate Jesus' ascension into heaven. Just down the hill from that is the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Mosaics of the Our Father in many languages adorn the walls of this Church. Brownie points for anyone who can read any of these...
And, there is a cave there where it is believed that Jesus slept. (There is not a sign that says: "Jesus Slept Here," however.)
We then began our trek down the steep incline of the Palm Sunday walk. The wind was brisk and chilly, but the pilgrims were troopers.
Our next stop: the Garden of Gethsemene.
I will add to this day when I can...it was a full day.
Day 8 was another incredible day. The Lord was truly walking with us this day, as He has this entire journey.
We started at the top of the Mt. of Olives at the Ascension Chapel, built to commemorate Jesus' ascension into heaven. Just down the hill from that is the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Mosaics of the Our Father in many languages adorn the walls of this Church. Brownie points for anyone who can read any of these...
And, there is a cave there where it is believed that Jesus slept. (There is not a sign that says: "Jesus Slept Here," however.)
We then began our trek down the steep incline of the Palm Sunday walk. The wind was brisk and chilly, but the pilgrims were troopers.
Our next stop: the Garden of Gethsemene.
I will add to this day when I can...it was a full day.
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