AS LEGATUS MEMBERS PACKED UP TO HEAD HOME FROM THEIR NINE-DAY HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE, MANY OF THEM WERE AT A LOSS FOR WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW THEY HAD BEEN AFFECTED BY WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS, MARY AND THE APOSTLES.

“Bible reading and sermons are forever changed now that I have explored the cer caves, tombs, mounts, seas and shorelines –the places known to Jesus, his family and followers,” Said David Mossey, who accompanied his father, Wiley Mossey of Legatus’ Houston Chapter, on the pilgrimage.
The Mossey’s were among 47 Legatus members and their children who Oct. 10-19 took part in the Pilgrimage led by Award-Winning Author and Filmmaker Steve Ray and His wife Janet, both registered tour guides in Israel.

Legates visited Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes, Gethsemane, Bethlehem and Jericho. Pilgrims walked the Via Dolorosa and visited the Holy Sepulchre. They renewed their wedding vows at Cana, floated in the Dead Sea and visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Legates and family members float in the Dead Sea Steve and Janet Ray, said Mossy, while on pilgrimage in Israel “emphasized that it was a pilgrimage, not sightseeing.” Mossy said that he and his father were “overwhelmed by the sacred nature” of their journey.
Lou Caravella and his wife Patty of Legatus’ Cleveland Chapter said they were so thrilled with the pilgrimage they would like to take another one. “I knew it was going to be good, but it was far better than we expected or anticipated,” said Lou Caravella. “I hope we can go on another pilgrimage with our kids.”

Maurice Glavin, his wife Ann Maria, and their three sons were also part of the pilgrimage group. The Glavins, members of Legatus’ Wilmington Chapter, are on a year-long tour of Europe.“We found the pilgrimage just a fantastic experience as a family,” said Maurice Glavin “That says a lot.”

Legatus’ executive director, John Hunt and his wife Kathie, members of the Chicago Chapter, were first-time pilgrims to the Holy Land. “This was a life-changing experience for me, for Kathie, and for everyone who made the commitment to come to Israel,” he said. “It was truly a spiritual, cathartic experience.”

David and Lisa Fischer of Legatus’ Fort Worth Chapter made the pilgrimage with their four young children — Emily, Megan, Henry and George. “We went on the pilgrimage to give the kids a better sense of their faith, so they could experience the actual places in the Bible,” David Fischer said. “When we say a family rosary now, we have a visual picture of where that mystery took place. It makes it more real for all of us.” Emily Fischer, who just turned 13, Legates and family members float in the Dead Sea agrees. She said that even though while on pilgrimage in Israel floating in the Dead Sea was the coolest thing she did in the Holy Land, her experience in the Garden of Gethsemane was more powerful. “We had Mass near the rock where Jesus sweated blood and saw
the olive trees,” she said of the ancient trees, which could be more than 2,000 years old. “It was amazing to be where Jesus was and to see how he lived
and experience the heat and rocks and everything,” she added. “Now when I read the Bible, I have a picture in my mind of where it actually happened.”

Patrick Novecosky is Legatus Magazine’s editor.

Fr. Mark Lawor

Several people have asked about the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  In reflection, I know that it was a blessing to have been invited by Gail Buckley of Catholic Scripture Study, Int. to serve as a chaplain.  It was also a blessing to be in the company of hosts and guides Steve and Janet Ray.  Steve and Janet have a great knowledge of the Holy Land and are enthusiastic Catholic witnesses.  The majority of the pilgrims were part of a delegation of Spirit Radio based in Nebraska. We began with five priests & 67 pilgrims.  One priest had to return home to NE after he received the sad news that his father had died.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land affords one an opportunity to see and experience the places that are important in Scripture and in Salvation History.  I knew that it would be an enriching experience with regard to teaching and preaching, but a pilgrimage also renews oneʼs spiritual life. Seeing sites that have been venerated by countless pilgrims reminded me that the Church, as the Family of God, transcends time.  Among the great memories were trips to Bethlehem, Nazareth, Mt. Tabor, the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Cana, Caesarea Philippi, and of course, Jerusalem.  People have asked if there was a high point for me.  It was all great; but the opportunities to lead the Way of the Cross along the traditional Stations and to celebrate the Mass at the Tomb of Christ were the high points for me.
I went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which encloses the last few stations, Calvary and the empty tomb several times.  The Upper Room is the site of the
institution of the Holy Eucharist, the Christian Priesthood, and the place where the disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  That room also became
a special place of prayer for all of us.
Steve Ray told us that after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land that Christmas and Holy Week will always be different.
I am convinced of that.

This is a VERY COOL website with 360 degree pictures moving you throughout the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Go round and round and even tip up to see the ceilings and down to see the floors. Go into the tomb where Jesus was buried.

It was fun for me since I have been here hundreds of times and it made me feel I was right there again. I even knew some of the people in the courtyard! Enjoy!

(PS. If you want to see all this in person, join us on a pilgrimage :-) at www.SteveGoes.com.

Click here.