Blog

Final Comments and Farewells 10-3-23

by Steve Ray on October 4, 2023


What a great group of folks on this pilgrimage. Everyone got along so well and lasting friendships were made. Also, they said they learned more and experienced more than they ever anticipated. Enjoy their final comments and farewell.

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Last Day: Mount Zion and Mount of Olives, Mass at Gethsemane

by Steve Ray on October 3, 2023


Our last day was deeply immersed in the life of Christ. We started out in the morning on Mount Zion where we visited the Dormition Church — which is now open again — the Upper Room and St. Peter in Gallicantu where Jesus was held prisoner over Holy Thursday night. Then we went to lunch […]

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Museum, Jordan River, Jericho, Qumran, Dead Sea & Camels

by Steve Ray on October 2, 2023


This is also called the fun day! Some people stay back in Jerusalem to do other things. We all have breakfast and mass together at the Notre Dame Center. Then but those who choose to take the Optional Day boarded the bus and headed to the Israel Museum before descend to the lowest place on […]

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Wild and wonderful day! Via Dolorosa, Calvary, Mass at Tomb, Western Wall during Sukkot

by Steve Ray on October 1, 2023


Today Jerusalem is full of Jews celebrating the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. It is called Sukkot. It made for an amazingly cultural and religious experience. But, we started our day at 4:30 AM with the Via Dolorosa (everyone thanked us later), and had everyone touch the top of Calvary and Mass at the Tomb. […]

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Bethlehem all day!

by Steve Ray on


Today is one of the favorites of Pilgrims. Enjoy the Olivewood shopping, the Mass in a cave at Shepherds Field, lunch of Shawarma sandwiches, a visit to the Church of Nativity and our dinner and dancing. So much goes on today that it takes two videos. PART ONE PART TWO

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Capernaum, Boat Ride, Visitation and transition to Jerusalem

by Steve Ray on September 29, 2023


The big transition today from Galilee south to Jerusalem. Three nights in Galilee, and is five nights at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Jerusalem. Both are lovely and hospitable hotels. We started the day with the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee before Mass at Capernaum and my talk “Defending the Eucharist.“ Then to […]

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