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Having a chance to look through the images of our trip as I put them on shutterfly, I was reminded what a real blessing this pilgrimage was. A wonderful, spiritually awakening, & “Needed-To-Do” trip for me! The grace, joy & life purpose simply presented itself before me as I opened my heart at each of these genuinely Holy locations in Israel.

We do need to encourage faith formation & pilgrimage events to everyone in our faithful Catholic community. I will certainly be doing that for the next several months as I share these photos (and experience) with family & friends. I can’t Thank You and Janet enough for sharing the Truth (and your lives) with us on this pilgrimage, and with so many more on your journey.
And I really enjoyed the morning run, as well as the afternoon run, with you & our group of crazy runners!!! — John Yochum

Hey Stacy…thank you so much for being our bus leader, organizer, and medic! By the time we got to Rome, I really was not feeling well. But your medicines helped me so much and kept me from missing any of the wonderful places we visited. Also, it was great to get to know you on the plane ride over and to hear you tremendous conversion story. I really enjoyed that, and think you should record your story to give witness to others contemplating Catholicism.

Thanks again for making us so comfortable and for being our escort! — Mike & Susan Sweeney, http://www.footprintsofgodpilgrimages.com/pilgrimages/shroud-of-turin-pilgrimage-may-11-20-2010/turin-2010-correspondance/

I cannot thank you enough for all you did to make our dream of this pilgrimage a real success. Our prayers really were answered with this very special group of people. Who would have thought we could be so honored with the presence of an Arch Bishop that could add so much to the enjoyment of the trip!!

Our video came last Friday, and I must tell you that Cheryl and I while watching had tears in our eyes with a longing to return. It is so amazing to visit the sites again for second time, and to have it be just as special, and in many ways, even better than the first visit. I must tell you that Jesse did a phenomenal and awesome job with the video. — Jim and Cheryl Olszewski

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. — Michael Duffin, The Virtual Tourist, Chicago

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

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

Louise & I would just like to thank you again for an unforgettable 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

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 and Amer collaborated with us to provide an outstanding pilgrimage. Our group was able to visit all of the major religious sites and each day celebrate Mass at one of the significant locations connected with the life of Jesus. Their enthusiasm allowed our group to enjoy the Holy Land as pilgrims, not tourists. — Archbishop Alex Brunett of the Seattle Diocese

We got your pilgrimage highlights video today and it is OUTSTANDING! Thank you so much for capturing the essence of our pilgrimage and doing so with such professional production. The combination of video and stills mixed very well with the music that was so tastefully and appropriately developed. You two are most definitely pros and we appreciate all of the caring that went into every aspect of our tour. May God continue to bless you and your work. — Debi and John Crotty

What a fabulous set of pilgrims and guides and hosts. Steve and Janet Ray took our welfare so personally to make sure we each had the best possible experience. Teresa Tomeo was a remarkable addition to the tour and I’m sure we are all grateful to her and to her daily work on Ave Maria Radio and in the world community. Personally, Sabina and I, have a new Italian sister. I suggest Teresa add a weekly segment to her radio show……how about “Liz Lev Live” to share the knowledge of a catholic art expert who was indeed spectacular in sharing her seemingly unlimited knowledge with us. And Father Courtney, what a blessing to have him with us to shepherd the flock, teach us how to live and say the daily mass. — Mark Karwan, http://www.footprintsofgodpilgrimages.com/pilgrimages/shroud-of-turin-pilgrimage-may-11-20-2010/

Your logistics were impeccable. It’s very obvious this was “not your first rodeo” as we say in the building trades. I loved the pilgrimage…as I was reflecting on the trip I asked myself the question, “So if you wished for more time, what exactly would you cut out to get that time”? When the answer was nothing at all… Take it all in as you go, look back over the video and photos, and unpack the experience for the rest of your life, easy peesy. — Anne Sternquist