First, price! Our price is the same as competitors BUT — unlike competitors — all of our on-shore excursions are INCLUDED in the price! Also included are ALL tips, even on the ship!

Second, we don’t trust just any guides and drivers – those assigned by the cruise ship. I AM YOUR GUIDE and only work with my own people on shore. I want this to be a purely Catholic experience at Catholic sites.

Third, we are only visiting biblical and distinctly Catholic sites (see list of sites below). That is the purpose of ... ]]> Why Cruise the Biblical Lands with us?

First, price! Our price is the same as competitors BUT — unlike competitors — all of our on-shore excursions are INCLUDED in the price! Also included are ALL tips, even on the ship!

Second, we don’t trust just any guides and drivers – those assigned by the cruise ship. I AM YOUR GUIDE and only work with my own people on shore. I want this to be a purely Catholic experience at Catholic sites.

Third, we are only visiting biblical and distinctly Catholic sites (see list of sites below). That is the purpose of the cruise — to study the Bible and the history of our Church. Steve will be teaching and personally sharing his favorite places in the world with you.

Fourth, we have private daily Masses at the sacred sites like Mary’s House in Ephesus, outdoors in Corinth, etc. A few Masses will be on the ship.

Fifth, each family will receive a professionally edited 90-minute highlights DVD as a keepsake. — Audio headsets will be provided for all excursions. — An experienced American travel escort and priest will be with you at all times from the USA, through the cruise and back to the USA.  — You get a free complimentary copy of my DVD PAUL, CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH (click on picture below for more info).

We will take you to Bible places Janet and I know very well. We will personally share them with you: Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea, Istanbul, Pergamum, Greek Island of Patmos, Ephesus, then the extension to Pompeii and several days in Rome with Mass in the catacombs, and much more.

We will be aboard the Cristal (see picture above). Sign up now because the cabins are going to fill fast. See the brochure here and call 1-800-727-1999, and speak to either Jeanine Jeanine Bliss (extension 116) or Sue Bosak (extension 158). You can also write to Jeanine at jbliss@ctscentral.net or Sue at sbosak@ctscentral.net

For more information visit Steve’s website at www.SteveGoes.com. We also have some exciting Holy Land Pilgrimages coming up.

Here is an article about the million plus people who will see the Shroud this Spring. It will not be brought out again for about 25 years!

We will land with our 150 pilgrims in Milan Italy. We will be in Turin ... ]]> We just filled the third bus and now — maybe there are 2 or 3 seats left, but we have to shut down registration and put new callers on a waiting list. Janet and I, along with Teresa Tomeo are going to Italy in May to see the Shroud of Turin. What an exciting trip this will be!

Here is an article about the million plus people who will see the Shroud this Spring. It will not be brought out again for about 25 years!

We will land with our 150 pilgrims in Milan Italy. We will be in Turin for two days with the highlight of seeing the original Shroud the wrapped the body of Our Lord. Then to Assisi, then to San Giovanni Rotundo to venerate Padre Pio. Then to Lanciano to see the remarkable Eucharistic miracle before stopping at Montapello to see the Veil of Veronica.

After this we spend 4 days in Rome where we will see the Pope. I get to show everyone our favorite places in the Eternal City and have Mass at marvelous sacred sites including the Catacombs. We are very excited. Click here to learn more.

If you missed out on this trip, we still have a Rome/Assisi trip with Dr. Scott Hahn from May 23-June 1. Check also to view our Holy Land trips this year and especially our St. Paul Biblical Land Cruise in November.

As of February 17th: There are only 10 spots left for the main trip to Turin, and 5 spots left to for the Rome extension. (If you signed up for the Turin trip & want to stay in Rome for the Scott Hahn trip please let us know.)

We already have reservations and a wonderful trip planned. Join Steve and Janet as we lead you through Italy in an authentically ... ]]> 1 million already plan to see Shroud of Turin during exposition this year
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=5466
Over 1 million people have already reserved tickets to see the Shroud of Turin when it is exposed for veneration in April and May this year. The public exposition in the Turin cathedral will begin April 10 and continue through May 23. Tickets are free, but reservations are required as organizers of the exposition seek to regulate the flow of pilgrims through the cathedral.

We already have reservations and a wonderful trip planned. Join Steve and Janet as we lead you through Italy in an authentically Catholic experience.

The food is great, the hotels comfortable and located right at the holy sites!

Click here to download the brochure. Give Suzanne a call if you have questions at 800-727-1999, extension 121 or write her at sparran@ctscentral.net. You can also write me at sray@rc.net.

Also, click on the image to right to visit our pilgrimage website. Hope to ... ]]> We have a small, intimate group going to visit the Holy Land in April, right after Easter. Janet and I will be your guides. The weather will be gorgeous, the people friendly, and the holy sites are waiting to inspire and enthrall you.

The food is great, the hotels comfortable and located right at the holy sites!

Click here to download the brochure. Give Suzanne a call if you have questions at 800-727-1999, extension 121 or write her at sparran@ctscentral.net. You can also write me at sray@rc.net.

Also, click on the image to right to visit our pilgrimage website. Hope to see you in Jerusalem!

“Thanks first.  What a great pilgrimage.  Thank you so much for all you do for the Kingdom of God.  What a blessing to experience the land where God walked with our family and such experienced and knowledgeable guides.”

“Thank you all once again for being part of one of the most memorable experiences of my life.  The gospels will have new colour from now on; the seasons and mysteries of Christmas and Easter will be filled with memories of the places where these events took place.”

Part 2

Then we had lunch at Ramat Rachel Kibbutz before touring Mount Zion — including the Abbey of Dormition where Mary fell asleep, the Upper Room and St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied ... ]]> Sorry I did not get videos up yet for Tuesday but I had no time. I will catch up on Wednesday. Today we went to Mass at Gethsemane and then toured the Mount of Olives. After a marvelous overview of Jerusalem from the Promenade where I gave a 20-minute account of the story of salvation from Adam and Eve until today with the whole story before our eyes.

Then we had lunch at Ramat Rachel Kibbutz before touring Mount Zion — including the Abbey of Dormition where Mary fell asleep, the Upper Room and St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied Jesus, where Jesus was imprisoned over Holy Thursday night and the Holy Steps Jesus walked on.

We then had a few hours free during which I took eight of us for a run around the walls of Jerusalem with the Archbishop (see separate video) before boarding the bus again to go back to Bethlehem for a delicious lamb dinner and dancing.

On Wednesday we start with a 4:30 AM wake up call to go on the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows, Stations of the Cross) through the Old City and end up at the Holy Sepulchre at 6:30 for Mass at the Tomb of Christ.

The reason the Shepherds were notified first is because shepherds are ALWAYS the first to be notified of the BIRTH OF A LAMB! Jesus is the Lamb of God born where lambs are born.

Here is the video of our day in Bethlehem!

Before stopping at our hotel we drove to Ein Kerem, the place of the Visitation and the birth of John the Baptist. Then to the Notre Dame Hotel for check in and dinner. Many then took walks in the Old City. Tomorrow we spend the day in ... ]]> Great day and great group. Very cooperative pilgrims which make it possible to cover lots of ground and get a lot done with joy and excitement. Today we finished touring around Galilee, ate St. Peter’s fish and headed south — UP to Jerusalem. Beautiful weather though we found rain in the night in Jerusalem.

Before stopping at our hotel we drove to Ein Kerem, the place of the Visitation and the birth of John the Baptist. Then to the Notre Dame Hotel for check in and dinner. Many then took walks in the Old City. Tomorrow we spend the day in Bethlehem.

Part 1

Part 2

Part II

It this continues the holy sites could be turned into mosques or museums and we will lose ever so crucial Christian presence in the Holy Land. So, I bought a small piece of land and planted an olive tree on it. You will see the ... ]]> Part One:
Muslims are trying to take over the Holy Land. It is not just about theology but about the land, every square foot of it. Christians only make up 1.5% of the population in Israel, Muslims over 16% and Jews over 80%. Christians are leaving in droves and the land is being acquired by Muslims.

It this continues the holy sites could be turned into mosques or museums and we will lose ever so crucial Christian presence in the Holy Land. So, I bought a small piece of land and planted an olive tree on it. You will see the video.

Part Two:
The pilgrims arrived today and we are now in Tiberias and settled in for the night. Tomorrow we begin our pilgrimage at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. Tabor), wedding renewals at Cana, and Mass at the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth.

Everyone is happy, healthy and excited. You can watch the video and join us on a virtual pilgrimage!

Link to my run on EveryTrail.

“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 ... ]]> 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.  ... ]]>

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.

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.

E-priest is the largest e-mail for priests across the country. In this e-letter they talk about energizing priests, parishes and young people.

Would you like to go on a pilgrimage for free? Consider organizing a pilgrimage with your parish or organization. Read Re-energize Parishioners with Life-Changing Pilgrimage, then contact Steve Ray. Let us do all the work for you!

But not only will we take our pilgrimage group to see the Shroud in Turin but we will do a lot more! We will visit Lanciano — one of the most stunning Eucharistic Miracles. You can see it up close and see the scientific documentation.

Then we will visit Assisi for a day and a night. ... ]]> You’ve come to the right place. The Pope has announced a special showing of the Shroud in Turin Italy in the spring of 2010. And we will be there! The Shroud is only reveal every twenty-five years of so — this this is VERY special!

But not only will we take our pilgrimage group to see the Shroud in Turin but we will do a lot more! We will visit Lanciano — one of the most stunning Eucharistic Miracles. You can see it up close and see the scientific documentation.

Then we will visit Assisi for a day and a night. Then on to see the incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotundo.

After all of that we will arrive in Rome for the General Audience with Pope Benedict. We will then visit all the Patriarchal Churches, tour St. Peters, do lots of shopping. You can’t go to Rome without visiting the Catacombs, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and so much more.

Janet and I will be the guides for this exciting new pilgrimage coming in May 11-23, 2010!

Click here to view the complete details of the pilgrimage.

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.