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Welcome to Footprints of God Pilgrimages
 

"Steve, you guide us through biblical lands with your Footprints of God videos -- when are you going to lead pilgrimages in person?"

After hearing that question a thousand times we decided to start Footprints of God Pilgrimages. Now we personally take pilgrims to the actual sites and introduce them to the Holy Lands of the Bible.

For information or to register, contact Suzanne Parran at Corporate Travel sparran@ctscentral.net, or call her at 313-565-8888, extension 121

On our website here you will find everything you need to know about us and our pilgrimages. Please feel free to browse around, read the endorsements, register for future trips, or contact us if you have questions.

Interested in organizing your own pilgrimage? Click here

For brochures of all our pilgrimages, click here

Check out our Virtual Pilgrimages here

Safety Updates Below

    
 


Upcoming Pilgrimages
 

PaulPilgrimageBrochureSm.jpgEXTREME ST. PAUL PILGRIMAGE!
THE YEAR OF ST. PAUL

Yeah, it is long - THREE WEEKS!
Yeah, it is costly - traveling extensively with cool experiences planned in FOUR COUNTRIES!
Yeah, it is extreme - floating in Mediterranean, boat ride on the Aaegean Sea, basket ride down a wall, Mass in the catacombs, hiking on old Roman Roads.
Yeah, it's St. Paul - we will follow him from birth to death.
Yeah, it is deeply spiritual, biblical & Catholic - just like Steve did in his documentary.
Yeah, it fun! We have lots of unique and wonderful things planned for you; great food, wine & accommodations.
Yeah, it's cultural! Eat in a goat-hair tent like Paul made, meet local Christians, eat food like Paul ate, float of driftwood in the Sea, see Mount Olympus of the gods, and more!
Yeah, its eductional - learn to defend the faith, hear Steve's talks on Paul and his theology, study the Bible!
Yeah, the Pope - if he is Rome we plan to see him at the General Audience; and to see all the Principle Churches!

We hope you can join us. We have LIMITED seats! We have to keep this group small and intimate. If you have time in February 2009, put on your sandals and join us!

Click here for our brochure, or click on the brochure image.


Future Pilgrimages
Led by Certified Guides Steve & Janet Ray
 
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September 5-14, 2008 Seattle Archdiocese Pilgrimage to Israel (filled)
 
February 4-23,  2009  "Ultimate Footprints of Paul Pilgrimage" through multiple countries.  See itinerary here (limited to first 30 people, open to public)

March 12-21, 2009 Open Pilgrimage with Teresa Tomeo, Mary Ann Kuharski, Fr. Ed Fride and Christ the King Parish Holy Land pilgrimage (brochure to follow, open to public)
 
May 8-17, 2009 Open Dates for Holy Land Pilgrimage -- want your group to fill this slot?
 
May 16-29, 2009 Dr. Scott Hahn & St. Paul Center Holy Land Pilgrimage with possible Rome Extension (open to public, brochure coming soon)
 
June 19-28, 2009 Frs. Burr & Fraser Pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel, Part II (in planning, open to the public)
 
October 2-11, 2009 Holy Cross Batavia Holy Land Pilgrimage (brochure coming soon, open to the public)

Oct 30-Nov 10, 2009 Year of St. Paul Mediterranean Cruise (in planning, stayed tuned, open to the public)

Nov 10-23, 2009 CSS Pilgrimage to Egypt and Israel, Part II (in planning, brochure to follow, open to public)

June 1-10, 2010  Holy Land pilgrimage (in planning, brochure to follow, open to public)
 
Open Dates in 2010 for Groups to fill:  Jan. 13-22, Feb. 15-24, May 1-10, Sept. 21-30, Oct 22-31
 
For questions or registration: e-mail Steve Ray or  Corporate Travel or call 800-727-1999 ext. 121, or 313-565-8888 ext 121.  

Pictures: Steve teaching about the Flesh and Blood of Jesus where Jesus taught it in synagogue in Capernaum.
 
OUR 2005, 2006 and 2007 PILGRIMAGES HAVE BEEN HUGE SUCCESSES!!!

For hundreds of pictures and Virtual Video Pilgrimages, visit our Photos/Videos Gallery.


 

Footprints of St. Paul

We are just putting the finishing touches on the Itinerary and securing the final pricing!
 
February 4-23, 2009!

How would you like to walk in the Footprints of the Apostle Paul through FOUR countries? Click here to see the itinerary through Syria, Turkey, Greece & Rome. The trip is planned to be 20 days and will be for serious travelers and devotees of the Apostle Paul.
 
It would incorporate planes, buses, a boat trip to Greece, an optional ten-mile hike from Neapolis to Philippi on the Ancient Egnatian Road which Paul traveled (see picture of Steve hiking the Egnatian Road near Philippi.)
 
Plus, we will also come down the Wall of Damascus in a Basket!

PaulTripEgnatian Sm.jpgThis 3-week adventure would include, in this order:

Syria: Damascus
Turkey: Tarsus, Antioch, Seleucia, Smyrna, Ephesus, Pergamum, Assos, Troas, and more
Greece: Neapolis (Kavala), Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Mt. Olympus, Athens, Corinth
Italy: Rome

If you are interested, please E-mail Steve.

To see the planned itinerary, click here.  Stay tuned!


February 2008 - Fr. Monette Pilgrimage led by Steve & Janet Ray to Israel & Jordan

Click on the picture to join us in Israel & Jordan with Steve and Janet Ray and Fr. Michael Monette and his two parishes from New Group with BishopSm.jpgHampshire.


Watch the video below to see what some have said about our pilgrimages




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HolyLandTempleSM.jpgWant a Fabulous Tour of Jerusalem during the Time of Christ?

At the Israel Museum there is a marvelous model of 1st century Jerusalem.

We take our pilgrimage groups there to give them an overview of the city which Jesus knew.

To see this in pictures, click here.


IsraelMap.jpgZoom into Jerusalem

This is a wonderful website where you can click on various "pinpoints" and see the sites in Jerusalem.

This is a great source to learn to learn about the many sites available for viewing in the Holy City.

We visit many of these sites during our pilgrimages. Click here to begin the discovery.


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Christmas Letter: nicely written, humorous and profound

Written by a Pilgrim to the Holy Land

Click here


Where did we pray the Rosary?
Where did our Rosaries Touch?


Custos Says New Problem Is Accommodating Growing Numbers

ROME, FEB. 24, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Pilgrims are returning to the Holy Land, affirmed the Franciscan Custos of the region, who says he is happy to face the new problem of accommodating the growing numbers.

For the whole article, click here.


Amazing Old Aerial Photo of Jerusalem (about 100 years old)
Picture on the left is unmarked   --   Picture on right marked with key sites.

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Click on images for larger pictures


Aramaic sm.jpgWhat in the World is that Scribble?

 

Click here to find out!


 


PaulDVD.jpgZenit Interview with Steve Ray
www.Zenit.org

It is always surprising to read through Zenit Catholic News and find my own interview. The Zenit.org news interviewed me a few weeks ago and wonder of wonders -- there it was today!

The interview was given in honor of Pope Benedict's proclamation that this was the Year of St. Paul in honor of the 2000th anniversary of his birth.

Since we filmed St. Paul's life story in six countries, they interviewed me about Paul and what I have learned about him as I traveled thousands of miles in his footsteps. You can read "In St. Paul's Footprints" here.

To find out more about our DVD documentary of St. Paul entitled "St. Paul: Contending for the Faith" click on the picture.


LegatusMag.jpgI was very happy to see the recent Legatus Magazine.

The article was entitled "On the Road to Truth: A Look at Faith-based Travel." The article features our Footprints of God Pilgrimages and our partner Corporate Travel. It is a nice picture spread with good information about travel and pilgrimages for Catholics. Click here or on the image to see the article.

Legatus is an organization for CEO', business owners, and financial managers. Since the inception of Legatus on May 7, 1987, its mission has been to bring Catholic business leaders and their spouses together in a monthly forum that fosters personal spiritual growth.

To see all of our pilgrimages, visit our website at www.FootprintsOfGodPilgrimage.com.


From the Virtual Tourist

"If you want to visit the Holy Land as part of a packaged tour, be sure to check out the trips offered by author Stephen Ray. His "Footprints of God" series is highly informative and the off-beat way he presents the information will give you a good laugh or two along the way. (Trying to demonstrate how Jesus rubbed mud on a blind man's eyes to cure him, Ray reenacts the scene by using chocolate syrup as a substitute. While this may be considered silly, Ray does in fact have great respect for the subject matter.)

I watched one of his videos before going to Jerusalem and it was very helpful as it not only pointed out the historical places, it put them in their proper Biblical context.

Ironically, I bumped into Ray and his wife Janet as they led a tour group through the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. As I talked to him, a few people went out of their way to recommend Ray and his tours. Stephen and Janet are very personable and will offer invaluable guidance to your trip. They offer several trips each year to Israel, Turkey, Italy and other places of historical significance
.



Teresa Tomeo's Newsletter with Comments on our March 2007 pilgrimage.
You can subscribe to her newsletter
here.


Canticle sm.jpgAn Interview with Janet Ray:
Watching God Build His Church: Our Family Journey of Faith

Interviewed by Heidi Hess Saxton

My wife Janet gave an interview a while back about our family and travels. She told the Canticle about our family, our conversion, and our travels as a family to the Holy Land. She also provided pictures.

You can imagine how surprised we were when this  magazine landed in our mailbox. We highly recommend Johnette Benkovic and her ministry -- especially this lively magazine Canticle: The Voice of Women of Grace.

My wife Janet thanks Heidi for visiting with us and writing such a nice article. Click on the magazine cover to see the whole article.


Group Shot sm.jpgOur Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Teresa Tomeo and Christ the King Parish was a HUGE success!

Click on the picture of us at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a larger image.

See Patricia's 500+ pictures, click here
--Amber's pictures here and here
--See Fr. Andrew's pictures here

See our Daily Itinerary 
here
Visit our Pilgrimage website here
See our daily video clips here so you can relive our adventure. 

Everyone was so excited we have already planned another Steve Ray- Teresa Tomeo Pilgrimage from April 1-10, 2009. Brochure and more details soon. Call Suzanne at Corporate Travel (800) 727-1999 for more info and to get you name on the list. We already have people signing up!


    
 


Latest News & Safety Questions!
 

On Thursday, March 6 there was an attack on a Jewish Yeshiva (religious Jewish school) in West Jerusalem. The target was as usual, a site far removed from pilgrimage sites in East Jerusalem and aimed at Jews, not Americans or pilgrims. This event took place the same time a bomb went off in Times Square in New York, yet no one is afraid to visit the United States. 

The attack was far from pilgrimage sites and anywhere we as pilgrims visit. Again, Catholic pilgrims and our Arab Christian guides and drivers are not the target of such violence, nor are we ever in harm's way. Gaza too is far removed and isolated from our itinerary.


Just Returned from Israel
February 29, 2008

The pilgrims unanimously proclaimed they never felt any danger or unease. They said they felt as safe with us in the Holy Land as they do in the United States. It was quite, safe and beautiful. Everyone was friendly and warm. Those who avoid the Holy Land because of fear have nothing to fear but fear itself.

You can read many of the testimonials on my Endorsement page.


IsraelMap2-4-08a.jpgSuicide Bomb 2/4/08
for a larger image of this map, click here

The problem today 2/4/08 was in Dimona (Red Circle). We will be far removed from this area and Gaza by staying mainly in the Blue Circles. It has no effect on us or our pilgrimage. Everything below the Green Line is the desert of Negeve and we never get near this area.

This was the first such attack in over a year. Attacks have been greatly reduced because of the security fence erected by Israel.

This attack was far south of anywhere we will go on our pilgrimages. Never have you heard of a suicide attack at pilgrimage sites or places we visit.

These attacks are targeted at malls, places young Jewish kids hang out and shopping centers--all of which we avoid and have no need to frequent.

This recent isolated attack will not effect us or our pilgrimages.

 


IsraelGaza1.jpgFighting in Gaza
September  24, 2007

All you have to do is turn on the TV to see fighting, fires, and funerals in Gaza. Almost makes one afraid to visit the Holy Land, right? NO, not right. See the map below.

We just returned from the Holy Land with 55 pilgrims. At the end of the trip they were laughing at all those who told them it was dangerous to travel to Israel. They saw NOTHING to alarm them. They saw a wonderful, beautiful and friendly country. We visited all the Holy Sites without the least of problems.

The fighting you see on TV is almost exclusively in Gaza which is a small strip of land 130 square miles on the Egyptian border. It is tightly contained within those borders. The recent fighting is not between Israel and the Palestinians, but mainly between two Muslim Palestinian factions: Hamas and Fatah. And what else is new? This has been going on for a long time. Gaza has always been a hotbed of dissension and strife, but it has no impact on pilgrims.

This infighting is of no threat to pilgrims. The holy sites we visit are far removed from the problems of Gaza. Tours and pilgrimages are at this moment traveling all over Israel and the holy sites without the least problem. There are approximately 100,000 pilgrims and tourists in Israel.

Don't let fear have it's way. People over there are afraid to come to America because the News makes it seem like the USA is extremely dangerous with planes flying into tall buildings, kids shot up in high schools, murders and rapes on every street corner. The news blows everything out of proportion.

We have trips planned (some already full) for November, January, February, April, September and November. There is no threat or even inconvenience for these groups. Nothing has changed since we started taking groups and we invite you to join us.


Visiting Catholic bishops urge support for Christians in Holy Land

Jan. 18, 2007 (CWNews.com) - After a week-long visit to the Holy Land, a group of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America has issued a encouraging Catholic pilgrims to visit Israel and support the Christians of the Holy Land.


Vatican Encourages Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

JERUSALEM POST, December 12, 2006 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land are encouraged by the new Vatican ambassador to that area of the world. The Jerusalem Post reports Monsignor Antonio Franco encouraged Christian pilgrims around the world to visit the country despite the uncertain political situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Franco said at a recent reception hosted by Israel's Ministry of Tourism that "I will do whatever is in my power to promote and encourage pilgrimages to the Holy Land."


Encounter Christ in Rome, Pope Urges Pilgrims

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 12, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his hope that the millions of pilgrims who visit Rome this year will have a living encounter with Christ.

In comments he made today in his annual address to the General Inspectorate for Public Security at the Vatican, the Holy Father said places such as St. Peter's Basilica and Bernini's colonnade are "places that contain great treasures of history and art; above all they are places where, by some inscrutable mystery, the living encounter of the faithful with the Lord Jesus takes place."


Our Bishop's Endorsement

Our bishop, His Excellency Carl Mengeling, wrote us a glowing endorsement.

You can read it here.


For other safety updates, visit http://www.goisrael.com. For advice, ideas and even more current status of conditions in Israel  call 1-888-77-ISRAEL.

There is also a 24/7 information hot-line in Israel that can provide up-to-the second information. From North America, call 011-972-3-520-7600, or during your trip in Israel, call 03-520-7600.


camel.jpg Our June and October Pilgrimages was SPECTACULAR!
The pilgrims were wonderful-- we were all blessed!
Read my blog for the day-to-day adventures!

For over 350 pictures, click here!

What did Fr. Gerald say? Click here.

If you want to go to the Holy Land, there are still seats available in March 2007.  We will not have another "open to the public" pilgrimage for over a year. If you are concerned about safety, watch my blog.

Group sm.jpgE-mail Corporate Travel or call at 800-727-1999 ext. 121, or 313-565-8888 ext 121.  Watch of Pilgrimage website.

(ATeam sm.jpgFor larger images, click on the pictures.)

 

 

 

 

 

Above: Pilgrims posing with the Jordan River behind where we all renewed our baptismal vows.
Right: The "A Team" from left to right: Ascort and assistant Dee McNoskey, My Man in Israel Raji Khoury of Shepherd Tours, our dear friend Bishop Kamal Bathish, Steve Ray, Steve's daughter Emily, Janet Ray and Fr. Gerald Gawronski our spiritual director.


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In Bethlehem you will hear Our Lords' Prayer in His own language. This is the "Our Father" written in Syriac Aramaic -- the language Jesus spoke in his every day life. We think we know him and how he lived, but take a look at this prayer and see if you can make any sense out of it. Surprise! He didn't speak English! And he was not called "Jesus" -- he was called "Yeshua."

I LOVE to learn all I can about Our Lord and the culture and times in which he lived. The Holy Land is like a 5th Gospel -- it helps us understand and know more deeply.

There are still Syrian Christians who speak Aramaic and their Mass or Liturgy is still celebrated in Our Lord's language. On our pilgrimages yoiu will hear the Lord's Prayer -- the Our Father -- in the language of Jesus. Fascinating!


Support Christians in the Holy Land
Purchase Christmas Gifts from the Holy Land
 
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Also, very nice Jewish Products from my friend Alex at www.JesusBoat.com

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Recent Kind Words

John and I just finished watching the DVD of my pilgrimage with you in January. A priest friend was here for dinner and watched it with us. He has been to the Holy Land on several occasions. We were ALL impressed with the wonderful keepsake DVD.  It is just so well done.! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

Mary Ann Kuharski
Prolife Across America

 
Jim and I chose the Legatus pilgrimage to the Holy Land precisely because Steve Ray was leading it.  He exceeded our expectations in his comprehensive knowledge of the Scriptures and especially in his love for the traditions of the early Church.  Steve not only teaches with great passion and insight, but his love for the truths of the faith was palpable.  Steve and Janet made sure that we saw as much as possible of the holy sites where Jesus and Mary lived and walked, and made their presence alive for us.  We were privileged to have Mass every day at one of the holy sites.  We also made the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem, an emotional experience, despite the hustle and bustle of the city.
 We are still sharing our memories and blessings with our family and friends.  We already have friends who are ready to take the next trip with Steve and Janet, based upon our recommendations.  It was a five-star experience in every way!
 
Jim & Cathy McConn
Legatus members
 
Our trip to the Holy Land was great; the experience walking in the foot steps of our Lord will never be forgotten. We can’t say enough about our learning experience. Steve and Janet did a great job presenting the experience to us; their knowledge of the Holy Land is unbelievable. I can’t say enough about the job they have done. When Steve  says it is safe to visit the Holy Land; I would not hesitate.
 
Kenny & Kate Wood (Legatus members)

Steve & Janet: 
Louise & I would just like to thank you again for an unforgetable Pilgrimage. The planning and professionalism was first rate including not only your apologetics, but the local flair added by Amer, the daily masses conducted by Father Gerald and the logistical support by the Legatus Team.
             It's no secret that we had our concerns about security before the trip but we are so glad that we forged ahead and I must say that we never felt a moments anxiety, quite the opposite. A cloud by day and a pilar of fire by night, we were enshrouded in safety and His Love every step of the way.  I'm looking forward to returning on future trips. Thanks Again and God Bless,
Patrick and Louise Rainey (Legatus members)
 
Peggy and I had a marvelous experience.  You guys took such personal care of us , we thought we were on a family outing! The Holy Land is one of the most exciting places, bothe spiritually and politically. 
         We returned home to the Midwest with a brand new perspective on the world and on the history of our religion.
 
Larry and Peg Myers (Legatus members)

For more comments, click here


Two New ArticlesOSV-David sm.jpg

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Both in PDF format


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Read the new article about our Pilgrimages in Legatus Magazine. Click here.

For the latest on the pilgrimage in light of hostilities in the north, read below or click here.


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