PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

Year of Faith

“How I rejoiced when they said to me:

‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’...” Psalm 122

5 -12 February 2013

Naxxar Parish

Programme

Tue Feb 5:    Meeting at Malta International Airport at 10.00am. Departure at 1.00pm by Air Malta direct flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.  Arrival in Tel Aviv at 4.45pm. Drive to Tiberias on the Lake of Galilee. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias

Wed Feb 6:   After breakfast drive to Nazareth where we visit the church of Annunciation (Mass), Mary’s well and St Joseph Church.  Lunch. In the afternoon we proceed to Mt Tabor where we contemplate the Transfiguration of our Lord. We move on to Haifa and visit the Carmel. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias

Thu Feb 7:    The morning will be spent on the shores of the beautiful Lake of Galilee. After breakfast we visit St Peter’s Memorial (Mass), Caphernaum – the city associated with our Lord, the Synagogue, Tabga: Primacy Church and the Mount where Jesus proclaimed the Beatitudes. Then we cross the Lake of Galilee by boat. Lunch. In the afternoon we proceed to Yardinit on the Jordan River where we renew our baptismal vows. Then Cana of Galilee where according to John, Jesus performed his first miracle. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias

Fri Feb 8:      Breakfast and check-out.  We pass through the Valley of Jericho and reach the city of Jericho.  We move on to Qumran where we visit the remains of the city belonging to the sect of the Essenes and the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls where discoverd in 1946.  Then proceed to the Dead Sea for a swim. Lunch. In the afternoon we pass through the Desert of Judas and reach Bethany (Mass) – the village of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. After Bethany we will have the first glimpse of the walls of Jerusalem – the holy city revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. On the coach we recite Psalm 122 which all the Jews used to recite before reaching the holy city.  Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Sat Feb 9:     After breakfast we cross over to Bethlehem (check points) and visit the church of the Nativity where we celebrate Christmas mass an then on to Shepherds’ field.  At noon we participate in the procession held in the basilica by the Franciscans where we venerate the place of birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lunch.  In the afternoon visit to Ein Karem where there is the church of the Visitation of our Lady to Elisabeth and the church marking the birth of John the Baptist. After dinner, Holy Hour in the church of all Nations (next to Getsemane).  This should be one of the most solemn and devout moments of our tour. Overnight in Jerusalem

  

Sun Feb 10:  Breakfast.  The whole morning will be spent at Masada which will be reached by cable car.  Masada, rising above the Dead Sea is the symbol of resistance of the Jews against the Romans. Lunch. In the afternoon back to Jerusalem visiting Mt Zion, Cenacle (Mass), Upper Room, Dormition church, Jewish quarter + Western Wall or wailing wall.    Overnight in Jerusalem

Mon Feb 11: Early Mass in the Holy Sepulchre.  After breakfast we visit the Church of St Anne including the crypt commemorating the birth of Our Lady; Bethesda pool, Via Dolorosa visiting both churches of Condemnation and Flagellation.  Lunch. Free afternoon in the old city. In the evening an excursion to new Jerusalem.

Tue Feb 12:  Breakfast and check-out. The whole morning will be spent on the Mount of Olives visiting Betfage (the village from where the procession of Palm Sunday starts),  Ascension, Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit, the Kidron Valley, St Peter’s in Gallicantu (cock-crow) and Garden of Getsemane where we celebrate the last mass of the pilgrimage.  Then proceed to Mary’s tomb and Apostles’ grotto.  Lunch and transfer to Airport. Depart Tel Aviv at 5.35pm.  Arrival in Malta at 7.40pm.

                        

Price per person:

Adult in Triple:                       

Adult in Twin:             e1000+

Adult in Single                      

Price includes:

Direct Air Malta flights: Malta / Tel Aviv / Malta

Seven nights accommodation on Full Board basis

Transport as per programme

All entrances

Local English speaking guides

Spiritual Director

Tour leader

All taxes and tips

NB:

Although this is a Pilgrimage to mark the Year of Faith, the programme has not been crammed purposely to offer moments of relaxation and enjoy the beautiful spots of Israel;

Although the whole Programme will be covered, there might be some adjustments on the day to facilitate travelling or gain time;

Everybody is encouraged to be covered by an Insurance policy.

Those who would like to enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea are advised to bring the bathing costume.

  

All those interested are kindly requested to contact directly, as soon as possible,  the Archpriest, 

Rev. Can Evan Caruana, on 79274587   or e-mail bambinanaxxar@gmail.com