Click on this image to see maps, videos, pictures and the story

It was a beautiful Sabbath. No traffic. Jews, Muslims, Christians all out walking. Children everywhere. I walked briskly (until my knee surgery later this month) for 9 miles from north to south. I followed the light rail train track through the city.

I started at Notre Dame near the Old City and the Tomb of Christ north. Once I got the the end I took a taxi to the far south point of the rail and walked north back to the Notre Dame Hotel. It was a delightful walk and I wish all of you could have joined me. Enjoy!

Click on the map and picture to see the whole run with videos, maps, pictures and the story.

Not running today because it is the Sabbath

I have two things here to inform, entertain and instruct. Many Americans think it is unsafe and dangerous to come to the Holy Land. However, 3.5 million people are walking the streets, praying at holy sites and following the footprints of Jesus and his Mother.

In the first you will hear the testimony of pilgrims with me who have been from one end of Israel to the other and found it completely safe, beautiful, spiritual and friendly.

The second item below is my run/walk today through Jerusalem to show you have safe and wonderful it is over here. Families, pilgrims, locals, tourists with children walking joyously through the streets. Enjoy – and come!

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Part One: We visited the site of Mary’s birth, where the Immaculate Conception took place. It was also here that Jesus cured the cripple at the Pools of Bethesda in John 5. We listened to some Protestants belittling Mary and the Catholic Church there. Another guide was mocking the Via Dolorosa.

We then went to the Western Wall and I told the pilgrims the story of the Wall and we all prayed there — for the conversion of the Jewish people. It was pretty exciting since it was Bar Mitzvah Thursday. Then to lunch at Ramat Rachel overlooking Bethlehem before a free afternoon.

Then the happy-sad part. We all had dinner together and hugged, cried, said our good-byes and got a lot of comments on video for all of you to see.

Part One: Via Dolorosa, touching top of Calvary, Mass at the Tomb of Christ, Israel Museum to see Dead Sea Scrolls, Model of 1st century Jerusalem, authentic baptismal site of Jesus to renew our baptismal vows, lunch in Jericho.

Part Two: Qumran, Dead Sea Swimming, Camel riding, free evening.

What a great day. Started the day with Mass at Gethsemane at the stone where Jesus sweat drops of blood. Then to the top of the Mount of Olives where Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and from where he ascended into heaven.

Then to Mount Zion. We visited the place where Mary fell asleep before being assumed into heaven and made queen of heaven. Steve explained this based on the Bible. From their to the Upper Room where three sacraments were instituted: priesthood, the Eucharist and Confession. It was here also where the Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost.

We then took a guided tour through the excellent Exhibition of the Shroud of Turin. Then everyone had a free afternoon.

At 5 we gathered in the lobby and walked to the Holy Sepulchre where we were met by the Franciscans and escorted in for a Solemn Entry into the Tomb after a pilgrimage greetings.

After that we walked to the Patriarchate and the Bishop of Jerusalem welcomed us in and gave us a talk and his blessing. What a day!

Part I:

Part II: Solemn Entry to the Holy Tomb followed by private meeting with the Bishop of Jerusalem.

From Galilee to Jerusalem. A very rich, eventful day. Following Mary from Galilee to her relative Elizabeth, pilgrims were surprised that she walked over 90 miles.

We started the day taking a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and having Mass at Capernaum where Jesus did more miracles than anywhere else. I gave my talk “Defending the Eucharist” at the exact place Jesus taught, “Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood.” Then we ate St. Peters Fish and drove south to Jerusalem.

I (Steve Ray) gave my Conversion Story from Baptist to Catholic on the bus before arriving at the Church of the Visitation. Here I gave my talk “Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant.” Then to our Notre Dame Hotel for a great meal and welcome beds.

All day in Bethlehem his always special for our pilgrims. This is the burial site of Rachel, wife of Jacob. It is the home of Ruth who became the great-grandmother of David who was born in Bethlehem and probably where he wrote Psalm 23.

It is also prophesied about by Micah 5:2 pronouncing Bethlehem as birthplace of the heavenly king. Then Jesus was born there and later St. Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate here.

After shopping, visiting the birthplace of Our Lord (2.5 hour line) we ate schwarma sandwiches at the Christmas Tree Restaurant, then Mass at Shepherds Field where the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Then a great lamb and rice dinner and dancing.

See Part One:

Part Two here:

This trip was inspired by Catholic Community Radio in Baton Rouge Louisiana. A bunch of these good folks are with us along with people from a lot of other states and even Australia and Africa. It is a very lively, Catholic, inquisitive, excited, humorous and fun group of pilgrims. They are firmly set on learning the Faith, celebrating their joy in Christ and walking in the footprints of Our Lord.

Today we visited the top of Mount Tabor where the Transfiguration took place. We prayed the Luminous Mystery of the Transfiguration where it actually happened. Then to Cana to renew wedding vows. I gave a talk on the wedding in John 2 and Amer (our Catholic Nazarene guide) told the history of the site.

Then to Nazareth for an authentic lunch at an Arab Christian restaurant before Mass at the Church of the Annunciation. We prayed the Mystery of the Annunciation in the entrance to the cave where the Angel actually said the words “Hail Full of Grace, the Lord is with you.”

After a tour of this site and my talk “A Day in the Life of the Holy Family” we drove back to Tiberias. On the way back I used my iPhone to do an interview with Catholic Community Radio. What fun! Our whole group yelled, “Wake up Baton Rouge!” We always try to have the second day easy for the pilgrims to regroup, process the whole thing and to rest.

So, everyone had the rest of the afternoon free to swim in the sea, walk into town, rest, go to confession (every day available), pray, have a glass of wine on the shore watching the fish jump and the birds fly or whatever they want. Dinner was delicious as always and a free evening for everyone.

All arrived safely. No lost luggage. Our seminarian is still on his way from Ethiopia. Our Australian pilgrim arrived along with six other Americans, some from Italy where they were visiting. All the others landed in Tel Aviv this afternoon. We picked them up and, except for our seminarian, all are sound asleep after a great meal. (Seminarian arrives at 3 AM.)

We are excited to start another group. We are grateful to the Community Catholic Radio in Baton Rouge for sponsoring and getting a lot of the pilgrims to join the trip. We have a full bus and had to turn people away. It will be a great pilgrimage. Our itinerary is based on the life of Our Lord and Rosary of Our Lady.

Today I received an e-mail from a man whose Protestant friend just returned from the Holy Land a bit disillusioned and skeptical. Here is the e-mail I received:

Hi Steve, Here’s the question in brief (read more if you have time).  How do we know that the sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are authentic?  

A Protestant friend of mine recently took a trip to the Holy Land and when he returned we had some discussions about the sites.  He raised his doubts about the authenticity of some of the sites, and in particular about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  He made some disparaging comments about “the liturgical church” and how they build churches on top of everything (in a tone as if they have been ruined or desecrated), and how they don’t even know that they are the real locations. 

So my question to you:  How do we know that these sites are authentic.  I’m sure you don’t have time to give a full dissertation, but if you could point me to a good book or website I would appreciate it.  Thanks for all you good work.  

I responded briefly below. I had no time to craft my response carefully but wrote it in the few minutes I have. My next group is arriving and there is a lot to do here in Galilee to get ready.

Historical Progression of Church of Holy Sepulchre

Greetings from Galilee and the AUTHENTIC sites of Our Lord and Lady. I wrote three articles I hope you find helpful:

1)  Holy Sites: Are these the Actual Locations.
2)  Holy Ground: Thoughts on Visiting Israel.
3)  Archaeology: The Stones Cry Out

My guess is your friend had a Jewish guide and like most of them he was an unbelieving skeptic. I listen to them speak to their groups and it is too often a travesty. People often leave with less faith than when they arrived due to the way the guides belittle Catholic sentiments, turning a tour into a political trip.

The site of the birth of Christ and Calvary and the Tomb are NOT up for questions (thought some Protestants have their own alternate site which is obviously not authentic, read about it in my book St. John’s Gospel). The Catholic sites are historically, archaeologically and biblically certain. They have been from the first centuries.

Our Group at Holy Sepulchre Learning and Praying at Authentic Sites

Most Protestants dislike them because they are “liturgical,” very Catholic and Orthodox. Protestants are the Johnny-come-latelys and as such they feel neglected and out of place in most of the holy sites. While Catholics celebrate the age-old Mass in the holy sites like we’ve done for 2,000 years, the Protestants are relegated to sitting under a tree reading the Bible and singing hymns, learning from their guides why no one really knows anything for sure.

Once I heard a Jewish guide say to a Catholic group in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: “Here we are at what some people believe is the place Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead (he actually believes neither). No one knows if this is really the place. It is all a matter of your faith. OK, look around and let’s go to the next site.”

The Real Place the Resurrection Took Place

With our groups we give the reasons we KNOW it is the site based on good evidence and history and archaeology, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries and gather in front of the Tomb for a Mass and as the priest comes out of the Tomb with the consecrated host we see Jesus come out of the Tomb again sacramentally.

I understand your friend since I see it every day. I feel sorry for those who’ve spent a lot of money to see this land and understand their faith and often go home less sure then when they came. It is not ALL groups but is all to frequent. I don’t want to hear from the exception to this travesty since I know there are exceptions, but I see the other far too often.

You can be sure about the sites (at least the major ones) and when I lead a group people are in tears and full of joy and discovery and go home better Catholics, sure of their faith and ready to die for Christ if need be.

We just dropped off one group and today pick up another group at the Tel Aviv Airport. We are excited to show them the sites, watch tears well up in their eyes, see daily conversions with a deeper love for Our Lord and Lady. We never tire of doing this because we BELIEVE and KNOW what we are doing is true, authentic and has an eternal weight of glory.

(I may be criticized by some for my disparaging comments. I do not intend to disparage but to get the pendulum back where it belongs. I want people to know what they are seeing and know why some come home more skeptical than they left.)

My goal is to run between 1,000 to 1,200 miles a year. As my wife and I get older we consider it our “medicine.” Today I am right on track even though I have a torn meniscus in my knee. I have an appointment on May 23 (when I return from Israel) to get orthopedic surgery to repair my knee. It will be my first surgery ever in my life. 

Even though I can’t run, I can still do “brisk walking” which enables me to keep up my miles without doing further damage to my knee before surgery.

Yesterday I took a brisk walk around the Walls of Jerusalem. I took a lot of pictures and videos along the way and charted it on a map through GPS. You can see the run and enjoy it for yourself – a virtual run around the Walls of Jerusalem.

Click on the image below to join me on my run:

Click on this image to join me around the walls of Jerusalem

Part One. Two familiar sites for Jesus, the Apostles and Mary – the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion.

Jesus ascended into heaven from the top of the Mount of Olives. He had always been on the ground with his disciples but this day he lifted off the ground and the last thing they saw was the bottom of his sandals as he disappeared into a cloud (which represents the glory of God).

We visited the Church of Pater Noster with over 160 copies of the Our Father on the walls in different languages. He taught them to pray in a cave near the church. This is a favorite site.

It was on Mount Zion that Mary experienced her Dormition before being assumed into heaven. The Upper Room is on Mount Zion where three of our Seven Sacraments were instituted: the priesthood, the Eucharist and Reconciliation. It was also where Pentecost took place. Mary was there to be part of the Birth of the Body of Christ, the Church.

It is always a bit disquieting to hear a rooster crow when we visit St. Peter in Gallicantu, which means “where the cock crowed.” It was here that Peter denied Our Lord in front of a charcoal fire. It was also where Jesus was tried before the High Priest Caiaphas and kept in the cistern prison over Holy Thursday night.

So much more I could say but the video will help understand the rest.

Pilgrimage Day 8, Part II

The most common question I get is: “Is it safe to go to the Holy Land?” The answer, as you will see in this video clip is a resounding YES!

, click HERE. In this video we address the question of safety in the Holy Land.

Mass at the stone where Jesus sweat drops of blood in Gethsemane.

Israel Museum to see model of the Temple from Jesus’ time and the Dead Sea Scroll Museum.

Visited authentic Baptismal Site of Jesus to renew our baptismal vows before lunch in Jericho.

Then to Qumran to see the ruins and the famous Cave No. 4. We discussed Scripture, Dead Sea Scrolls, ran and the Essenes.

The day rounded out with a swim in the Dead Sea and camel rides and back for dinner and a free evening.

Part I:

Part II:

Today we woke up at 5 AM and boarded the bus to head to the Herod Gate. We walked to the beginning of the Stations of Cross while the sun was rising. Amer gave us a short intro to the Via Dolorosa and walked, prayed and meditated the 14 Stations of the Cross — where they REALLY happened.

Then we all touched the top of Calvary where Jesus was crucified. If we had touched this place 2,000 years ago, our hands would have been sticky with his blood. Then we have Mass right next to the tomb.

After Mass we all entered to touch and pray at the Tomb of Christ. Tears were everywhere.

Breakfast at the Notre Dame, visit to St. Ann’s Church where Mary was born and where Jesus healed the crippled man (John 5). Then to the Western Wall and lunch before a free afternoon and afternoon.

Lastly we had the marvelous Holy Shroud Exhibit and dinner at Notre Dame.

Mass at the Tomb of Christ

We had a good  first night sleep in Jerusalem at Notre Dame Center, owned by the Pope. After a delicious breakfast we boarded the bus and left two minutes early (we enforce timeliness). We headed out to Bethlehem.

On the way we talked about the authenticity of the biblical sites, the dealing with vendors and the history of Bethlehem. Then we went shopping for exquisite olive wood carvings, Russion icons, mother of pearl, and much more.

We had a long line to see the grotto of Jesus’ birth in the Church of the Nativity. In the end we all saw and touched the place Jesus was born. Lots of tears and deep breaths. Then to lunch at the Christmas Tree Restaurant.

Mass at Shepherds Field where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Dinner in Bethlehem where we ate the Passover Lamb and danced to Arabic music. It was a wonderful and very full day.

To listen to my interview with Teresa Tomeo on EWTN and Ave Maria Radio summarizing the day, click here (http://www.facebook.com/MrsTeresaTomeo/posts/219922008121416)

The Best of Olive Wood Carving

Teresa Tomeo and Steve Ray were in Bethlehem together on Friday. They broadcast live from Shepherds Field, click HERE to listen.

Today was another great day with marvelous weather, curious pilgrims, insightful talks, great food, and wonderful holy sites in the footprints of Jesus and Our Lady.

Mass at Capernaum is always special – partaking of the Body and Blood of Our Lord right where he said, “Eat My Flesh, Drink My Blood.” The long boat ride across Galilee is always a highlight, as is eating the same fish Jesus ate.

We have conversion and vocation stories on the bus on the way to Jerusalem, but we stopped along the way at the place of the Visitation for a talk on Mary.

We had a special blessing after dinner. The bishop of Jerusalem called me (Steve Ray) and offered to come visit with our pilgrims. It was a great evening. See the pictures. Tomorrow we spend the whole day in Bethlehem.

Our Group Posing with the Bishop of Jerusalem

Video of today’s pilgrimage is now here.

But I did put up my morning run/walk below. A great new day with perfect weather. All the lost suitcases have been found and delivered. Everyone is thrilled and doing great.

I put up my exercise route here with pictures, videos and a map along the shore of Galilee. Click on the image below to share the walk along the shore of Galilee.

Click on image above

When Jesus goes up on a mountain and is transfigured, what other mountain should you think about? When Jesus’ face shines like the sun, what other prophet should you think of?

Today was wonderful. We visit Mount Tabor – the Mount of the Transfiguration and discussed all the rich meaning from the Bible related to this site. Then to Cana to renew wedding vows. One couple from Australia was married three days ago so this was very memorable for them. I also taught about the  six stone jars, Jesus’ “hour” and Mary’s intercession for the wedding guests.

Then to Nazareth where it all began. Without Nazareth there would be no Bethlehem or Jerusalem. It was at Nazareth that the Word became flesh. In fact, on the altar here it says, “The Word became Flesh HERE!”

After visiting these great sites with Mass and the Rosary and lots of good teaching and exploration, we all had the late afternoon free to swim in the Sea of Galilee, nap, have a glass of wine on the shore with new friends and more. Delicious dinner with a great variety of foods and to bed early for a busy new day tomorrow.