Holy Land Pilgrimage 2011
September 1
It was just approaching 6.00am and we had gathered to watch the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee for the final time, As the first rays of light broke over the horizon we began a morning prayer together. Out on the water a small fishing boat with two men aboard cast nets into the Sea – just as Peter would have done two thousand earlier. The timelessness of this land is staggering at times.
Breakfast over we assembled to board the coach for our trek. We sadly watched Galilee disappear behind us for the final time. The coach sped along the highway until we reached the outskirts of Haifa and the working port with its docks, warehouses and industrial estates. We drove up into a very modern city stopping off at the fabulous Bahai temple funded by its very wealthy followers across the world.
Climbing even further we arrived at Mount Carmel where we shared our final Mass of the pilgrimage. In a beautiful chapel we celebrated the Eucharist and reflected on the fantastic experiences we had shared together. Some of the group had written down thoughts that could be read out after the Mass. Time to wander round the site, grab a coffee and take some more photos to add to the thousands (literally) that we had already amassed.
The coach carried us onwards through this smart cosmopolitan area of the country. We passed miles of beaches that would not have been out of places on any of the other fashionable Mediteranean resort coming to the “new” city of Tel Aviv established just over one hundred years ago. As Jerusalem is officially an occupied territory international law will not allow embassies to be established there so this is where they can be found.
Tel Aviv quickly gave way to the ancient city of Jaffa where we had lunch before heading to the airport. We said goodbye to our guide and now friend Usama and Fr Neil who returns next week. As we slowly worked our way through the tight security we were told that the flight was overbooked and offered, hotel accommodation, cash and free flights if we didn’t take that flight. A very tempting offer which we were hard pushed to resist!
I am writing this on the plane somewhere over Italy with just under two hours flying time left. I will try to send it enroute if possible. Sometime in the next couple of days I will try to write a final Blog to complete this account.
We are all looking forward to seeing our loved ones but feel a sadness that our Journey in The Footsteps of Jesus comes to a close,
Love and prayers,
God Bless.
A Pilgrim