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.