Friday, March 7, 2008

Jerusalem is preparing for Easter

Live the Holy Week day by day with us here before you join us in September. You can always contact us by submitting a comment.

Hallelujah! How good to celebrate our God in song; how sweet to give fitting praise.
The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, gathers the dispersed of Israel,
Heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds,
Numbers all the stars, calls each of them by name.

Great is our Lord, vast in power, with wisdom beyond measure.
The Lord sustains the poor, but casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; with the lyre celebrate our God,
Who covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass sprout on the mountains,
Who gives animals their food and ravens what they cry for.

God takes no delight in the strength of horses, no pleasure in the runner's stride.
Rather the Lord takes pleasure in the devout, those who await his faithful care.
(Psalm 147, 1-12)

Our group is growing slowly but surely. More and more are registering with their down payment. We are almost to the Sunday when we will remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Even in these times, thousands of pilgrims will gather at the outskirts of Bethany and prepare for their entry into the Sacred City from the Mount of Olives and across the Kidron Valley. This is a happy time and there is no distinction between the people who move slowly, shoulder to shoulder, first downhill fr about 1.5 miles and then up for about 1 mile before entering St. Stephen's gate to work their way to the church that marks The Blessed Virgin's birthplace. It is renowned for its acoustics. Isabel tried them out and when she stopped singing, people standing around applauded. We hope that Mary was applauding too.

You can find out more about how to prepare your Jerusalem adventure by clicking here.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

JERUSALEM, INSIDE AND OUT

The pool of Siloam just outside the walled city of Jerusalem



It has been a while since we have communicated to you. We know that you are dreaming about the day when you will board the plane for the Sacred city of Jerusalem. There is no Catholic or Jew who doesn't dream of going to Israel some day. It is the ultimate Pilgrimage. It is the home town to so many people around the world. It is a gift that we all wish would come to us at least once during our stay on earth.

Buying mint at the bus-stop


The interesting thing about this is that the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the rest of Israel know how we feel and they try their best to make it as pleasant as possible for us while we are there. It is a marvelous feeling to get into a friendly conversation with people who respect us for who we are and the reasons why we visit their country. The religious dimension of the visit touches everyone, Christian, Muslim and Jew alike.

Come along; be not afraid; you will never be the same person after experiencing the Holy Land.
We hope that you will join us. Click here for more information.