isn’t about time we get reconnected to the source of all good things in this world and that is God. Wouldn’t it be great to make a trip to the Holy Land and walk in the very steps that Jesus walked? On this trip you will find answers to many of the spiritual questions you have about your Catholic faith. If you come with me I will guarantee that this will be one of the most spiritually uplifting and moving experience you’ll have in your life time. You should be able to walk up and down hill for at least 1 to 1 1/2 miles each day for the first three days,(walkers and wheelchairs are not permitted) as the trip gets easier with each passing day. Much of the walking the first three days is in or around Jerusalem, which has an uneven terrian. Our bus cannot get into the Old City, therefore everyone needs to walk in. If anyone feels tired they are more than welcome to stay on the bus and enjoy the views and scenery as we visit the holy sites. Walking to all the holy sites is not mandatory and some people may wish to rest and stay on the bus for private prayer or rest. My itinerary is full and I want to show you all the holy sites, which takes time and keeping a certain pace each day. People in wheelchairs/walkers or needing special assistance should not come.

Many of our trips sell out six months in advance because they are that good. If peace continues there will be more and more people wanting to travel to the Holy Land, but there are so many hotels in Jerusalem and only so many flights each day to Israel. There are several airlines who have stopped flying to Israel and as a result there are fewer flights each day and the prices have continue to be higher. We are waiting for some of the airlines to reduce their fuel prices, but most have refused to lower their air prices at the present time. Book early and make a commitment to visit the Holy Land. Last year there was 2.3 million tourist visiting the Holy Land. Yes, it is safe to go over and you have never heard of any tourist being hurt while in the Holy Land. Tourism is now at the same level as pre 9/11 level. Please if you are considering going to the Holy Land make your reservations at least 6 months in advance.

Don’t be afraid of going to the Holy Land. Remember that the will of God will never take you to a place where the grace of God will not protect you. Many Catholics are now going to the Holy Land and both air seats and hotel reservations have been filling up 9 months to a year in advance. Please don’t wait too long to make your decision as there may be no room for you in the inn. Future pilgrimage dates can be arranged for individual groups. Please call Christopher Cross for possible future dates at 888-727-5881 or 888-727-5881

“An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. So climb slowly, enjoying each passing moment; and then the view from the summit will serve a more rewarding climax for your journey.” ….Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

It is a glimpse of a place where heaven came down to earth and left on that spot the indelible mark of divinity in the dust of the desert. God’s presence permeates the very soil on which the footsteps of the Master trod. A pilgrim who follows in those footsteps cannot help but be changed and have his life transformed by the experience.

It is truly a Catholic pilgrimage from beginning to end. The holy sites of Jesus’ life are experienced from their connection to Sacred Scripture, the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. What could be more appropriate, for instance, than celebrating Mass on Calvary since the miracle of the Mass makes Calvary present every time that it is celebrated or celebrating a Holy Hour in the Garden of Gethsemane on Thursday night when centuries before our Lord prayed there and asked His disciples to watch and pray?

When at last we reach the summit of the mountain on the journey of life, we will be able to look back with satisfaction and see that this pilgrimage to the Holy Land was one of the most spiritually fruitful experiences of our lives. It is then that we will be ready to exchange our experience of the earthly Jerusalem for the heavenly Jerusalem whose light is the Sun of Justice, the Lamb once slain who lives forever.