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The group walk down the Mount of Olives |
Following two postponements due to covid restrictions, Bishop Donald was delighted this September to finally be able to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The group of 20, mostly from Peterborough Diocese, but also from as far as Wales and the United States, enjoyed 9 days of sunshine and Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean food whilst walking and worshipping in the places where Jesus would have been. It was a demanding itinerary, based initially in Jerusalem, and subsequently on a Kibbutz on the shores of Lake Galilee, and in addition to the local sites, also included excursions to Hebron to see the Tomb of the Patriarchs, Bethlehem, Ein Karem where the Magnificat was first sung, Jericho, Mount Tabor and the Jezreel Valley, Nazareth, Cana and Caesarea.
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Nazareth |
We had a very knowledgeable local guide in Lazarus, an Armenian Christian who lives in the Armenian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. He had a wonderful sense of humour, not least withstanding the various inevitable Lazarus jokes! He was well informed about the political situation, and kept us safe throughout. Unfortunately it did mean we were not able to visit Jacob’s Well in Nablus as planned, but this was more than made up for in visits to several other very interesting sites in Jericho which we wouldn’t otherwise have been able to see.
We worshipped together regularly, and Bishop Donald led the group in celebrating Communion most days. Singing was aided by a pilgrim with a
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Renewal of Baptism vows in the River Jordan |
recorder, and many took turns to read and lead prayers. In addition to a running commentary from both Bishop Donald and Lazarus throughout the pilgrimage, Bishop Donald also gave two evening talks, summarising and reflecting on the groups’ experiences in the context of the past and current political and social situation.
As with all his past pilgrimages, the pilgrims found themselves both uplifted and challenged by the experience. Some quotes which speak for themselves are
“… a remarkable spiritual journey”
“It was an extremely busy week which I thoroughly enjoyed but need time to reflect on everything and catch my breath!”
“… we are still buzzing with memories of the sights and sounds and smells of this special place”
“… a fantastic pilgrimage and I think it will take quite a few days to process all the experiences, challenges (both practical, emotional and spiritual)”
“… truly a once in a lifetime visit for us, and will be something to reflect on for the future.”
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