A trip to Holy
Land is really a walk through the Bible. This experience brings the World of the Bible
to life. Every walk transforms the Bible into vivid reality. Jerusalem,
Bethlehem, Galilee, names which are so familiar in the scripture will transform
into experience of the senses as you visit them in person and touch the Rocks
with your hands.
Experience of Bro.
Paul, his are so impressive that it takes you to the depth of Holy Land
history. It was he who made every site come alive with detail explanations, we
also had the opportunity to celebrate mass every day. Our group comprised of
people from Australia, Canada, USA and Goa (total of 97). Many of us
experienced healing touch, had a peace of mind and lots of blessings on each one
of us.
We started our
journey on the top of the Mount Nebo in Jordan – The site of Moses’ death. From
here you can see the Promised Land. The land of Milk and Honey.
Next day we started
our journey by visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation, considered to be one
of the holiest sites in Nazareth. This site takes you in to the house of Mother
Mary. You feel so proud and privilege to enter this house where Angel Gabriel
appeared to Mother Mary and announced the Birth of Jesus. In the evening we had
a solemn celebration of Mass at Cana Church where Jesus performed His 1st
Miracle of changing Water into Wine. The couples in the group renewed their
marriage wows remembering their old beautiful days and thanking God for their
married life.
Next day we drove to
Mount Tabor (where Jesus was transfigured) and the Mount of Beatitudes (where
Jesus preached the sermon on the mount). Right around the area we also visited
Capernaum (The center of Jesus’ ministry), House of Peters Mother in law and
Mensa Christi (Table of the Lord). Then we sailed along the Historic Galilee
River, praising, worshiping and thanking God. . Then we had the pleasure of
visiting the Original Baptismal site of Jesus. We had our ceremonial renewal of
Baptism by our priest who baptized us with the water from the Jordan River.
Shepherds field was
another beautiful place. We sang Gloria in different voices, echoing our joy
with the shepherds. Then we visited the church of Nativity – birth place of
Jesus. What a moment to bow our head and touch the holy star. The site takes
you to the heavenly kingdom.
The places like- Milk
Grotto, Church of Visitation and Pater Noster church are special to Goans. Here
we have the 1st testimony from Zion , 1st Magnificat ( ‘Mhozo Otmo Sorvesporak
Vakhann’tta – Git’ ) put up also by zion and having Lord’ prayer In Konkani,
respectively.
Experience of having
bath in the Dead sea, Going up to Mount Zion. Praying at the place where Jesus
had his last supper, same place where Holy Spirit was sent on the Apostles and Mother
Mary, having healing service where Jesus was kept in a Dungeon, are beyond
explanation. One needs to go and have this experience personally.
Here comes another
important Journey. Walking the Palm Sunday road; visiting Garden of Gethsemane;
Church of all Nations; and walking the way of the Cross. At the end of Dolorosa
is the Calvary where Jesus was crucified. Located in the Calvery is the church
of Holy Sepulchre, the most important site in the Christian Faith. Located
inside the church is an Empty Tomb. Of all the places we visited, this was the
most memorable and momentous part of our Tour and definitely something that we
will cherish forever.
At last our journey
stopped in Egypt. We visited the church called the Abu Serge, built on the
house where the Holy Family lived during their stay in Egypt. And of course, a
trip to Egypt would be incomplete without the world famous Pyramids of Gaza and
the famous Egyptian Museum. At last ended our day with a relaxing river cruise
on the beautiful River Nile.
To
conclude, I would say, my journey to the Holy Land would be remembered as my
most memorable and Life changing in all of my years of travel. The trip was
organized by Zion Tours & Travels.
