Group Arrives in Israel with No Fear and Great Blessings!

by Steve Ray on September 1, 2013




First Mass on the Shores of Galilee

Our group of 91 arrived this afternoon on Delta flight 268. They were courageous and smarter than the secular media. They arrived trusting God and eager to walk in the footprints of our Lord and our Lady – and all the patriarchs, kings, prophets, apostles and followers of Jesus.

(I interrupt this blog post to remind friends and family of the pilgrims to leave COMMENTS below. When you do I will read them to the pilgrims. This will bring them great joy to them and promote a fellowship between those on the pilgrimage and you at home sharing this pilgrimage virtually.)

Everyone arrived safe and sound and in good spirits. One of the nice things about our pilgrimages is that they are not just with older people (though we have plenty and LOVE them), but also we have a lot of families with young people. We have on this trip two newly wed couples and about 18 young people. What a joy!

All arrived safely and are ready to GO! We had Mass on the shore of Galilee in the dark and a great dinner. Can’t wait for tomorrow – Mass on the Mount of Transfiguration, Wedding Renewals at Cana, lunch and Rosary in Nazareth where we will pray at the very place the words of the Rosary were spoken: “Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee…

(Each day I will post the videos of our trip and the video (or just audio) of the great homilies of our pilgrim Bishop Robert Vasa along with comments and magic tricks by Patrick Coffin.)

FIRST DAY OF HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

BISHOP VASA’S FIRST HOMILY ON OUR HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE – AT GALILEE

 



17 Comments

  • Gloria says:

    We are always happy to see groups arrive in Israel and report back. The impression that is unsafe is totally false and it is unfortunate when someone puts off a trip to the Holy Land due to fears for their safety. It is most likely safer here than any other place in the world. Thanks for continuing your ministry.

  • timithie says:

    For Carlin and Dave Gould:
    Hi Babcia and Poppy from Eva and Eleanor! Glad everyone arrived safely!

  • Carolyn Utter says:

    God bless your pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We traveled to the Holy Land with Steve and Janet two years ago and it was such a memorable trip. To this day I joyfully envision the Israel landscape when reading scripture. Seeing the landscape of our faith is priceless. We will travel to Lourdes and Fatima with Steve and Janet in a few weeks. More blessings!!! God bless.

  • Justine, Scotty and Belle says:

    For Alan and Judy Kirwan:
    G’Day Dad and Mum, we are so excited for you both. We expect you to have a truly wonderful and fulfilling time in the Holy Land. We are so very grateful for this blog, it has put our minds at rest and you will be pleased to know we are not worried for you now. All is great here at home. Love from Scotty, Jus & Belle

  • Mimi says:

    Steve is scheduled to come speak at St. John the Baptist Church on October 2. I heard him last time he was here. I thank God for Steve Ray.

    I had no idea you were on a pilgrimage to Israel – Tomorrow I am offering my mass up for you all for protection and safety.

    I look forward to following you on your journey here at home, and thanking God for courageous people like you who love the Lord so much you are willing to risk your own fears to be where He was.

    God Bless you!

  • Leigh Ann Hood says:

    Thank you so much for making these videos. It is awesome to be able to watch them and feel as though we are taking part of an amazing adventure. Praying for you all.
    To my parents: Scott and Pat Walker, we love you and glad you made it safe.

  • Ginger Murray says:

    To Tom & Dawni Gustafson ( Erik’s parents)
    From all of the Gustafson Murray’s in Louisiana!
    We are so proud of you for taking this journey! Make friends! Have fun!

  • Terry Heidorn and Mary & Kevin Sandefur says:

    Cindy Heidorn/Mom: We just watched your arrival and first evening in Israel. We LOVE being able to share the experience with you. Keep wearing your red purse– it helps us pick you out of the crowd (Great idea, Amo!). We are so proud of you and we are with you in spirit and virtually. Don’t forget to look at the moon every night. Love you forever, Terry, Kev, Mary (and Jack the cat).

  • Terry Heidorn and Mary & Kevin Sandefur says:

    Cindy Heidorn/Mom: We just watched your arrival and first evening in Israel. We LOVE being able to share the experience with you. Keep wearing your red purse– it helps us pick you out of the crowd (Great idea, Amo!). We are so proud of you and we are with you in spirit and virtually. Don’t forget to look at the moon every night. Love you forever, Terry, Kevin, Mary (and Jack the cat).

  • Al Gunston says:

    For Mary Gunston:

    Mary,
    I see you in the video at the airport – You look so radiate and so happy! Love, Al

  • Al Gunston says:

    For Mary Gunston:
    Mary,
    I see you in the video at the airport – You look so radiate and so happy! Love, Al

  • Lulu Willet says:

    Kathy Havranek and Terry Caffrey, Glad you arrived safely! The video, as you promised, will be a great view into your daily life while in Israel. All of your GTP sisters are thinking about you and envying your trip to the Holy Land. Enjoy and absorb everything so you can share when you come home. Bless you both.

  • Jeremiah says:

    For the Zieminski “clan” 🙂

    George, Pam, Joseph, Christina, Marissa, Beth, and Tim Zieminski.

    You carry the hopes and prayers of us all. It’s so good to see you made it safely.

    God be with each of you; you are in my prayers.

    By God’s grace,
    Jeremiah

  • Teresa Harold says:

    Hi Dave and Carlin! We’re praying for you every day! Hope you’re having fun! Love, Jim & Terri

  • LeAnne Brodersen says:

    Kathy Havranek. I feel like I am there with you through these videos!! Will be watching for you daily!!

    In my prayers!!!

    LeAnne

  • Barbara Berg says:

    Hi, all, especially Echeverrys! I enjoyed seeing you four in the videos and hearing about what you are up to. We expect to see more pictures when you return — perhaps an evening of pictures and, oh, I don’t know, maybe TOASTED MARSHMALLOWS? Just a thought. Keep praying for us as we pray for all of you (not just Echeverrys…).

  • Lynne Argentieri says:

    To The Zieminski Family…and BishopVasa
    We are praying for your safe travels, and for all of the many Blessings that you are receiving.
    God Bless all of you,
    Lynne Argentieri and family

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