PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
“How I rejoiced when they said to me: ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’...” Psalm 122
25 February – 4 March 2014
Naxxar Parish
Programme
Tue Feb 25: Meeting at Malta International Airport at 10.15am. Departure at 1.25am by Air Malta direct flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Arrival at Tel Aviv at 5.05pm. Drive to Nazareth. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.
Wed Feb 26: After breakfast we visit the church of the Annunciation and celebrate our first Mass; St Joseph Church and Mary’s well in Nazareth. Then proceed to the port-city of Haifa and visit the Carmel (Lunch). In the afternoon we proceed to Mt Tabor where we contemplate the Transfiguration of our Lord. Then Cana of Galilee where according to John, Jesus performed his first miracle. Married couples will renew their marriage vows. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.
Thu Feb 27: The morning will be spent on the shores of the beautiful Lake of Galilee. After breakfast we visit the Mount of the Beatidudes and the church of the Primacy of Peter on the shores of the lake. Then proceed to Caparneum - Jesus’ city, visit the Synagogue and celebrate Mass at Saint Peter’s Memorial. At Tabga we visit the church of the Multiplication of Loaves. After lunch we cross the Lake of Galilee by boat. In the afternoon we proceed to the River Jordan renewing our Baptismal Vows. Dinner and overnight in Nazaerth.
Fri Feb 28: Breakfast and check-out. We pass through the Valley of Jericho and reach the very ancient 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 1948. Then proceed to the Dead Sea for a swim. Lunch. In the afternoon we pass through the Desert of Judas and reach Bethany – the village of Lazarus, Mary and Martha (Mass). 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. Time permitting we will pay our first visit to the Holy Sepulchre of our Lord. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Sat Mar 1: After breakfast we cross over to Bethlehem (check points) and visit the church of the Nativity and then on to the Shepherds’ field (Mass). At noon we participate in the procession held daily in the basilica by the Franciscans venerating the place of birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lunch. In the afternoon we visit Ein Karem especially the church of the Visitation of Mary 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 Mar 2: Breakfast. The whole morning will be spent at Masada south of Jerusalem which will be reached by cable car. Masada, rising above the Dead Sea is the symbol of the resistance of the Jews against the Romans. Lunch. In the afternoon back to Jerusalem visiting Mt Zion, the Cenacolino where we celebrate Mass of the Last Supper, the Upper Room, the Dormition church and the Jewish quarter including the Western Wall or wailing wall. Dinner and in the evening an excursion to new Jerusalem visiting also Mea Sharim - the area where the Religious Jews live.
Mon Mar 3: 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, the churches of Condemnation and Flagellation and pray the Via Crucis along the Via Dolorosa. Lunch. At 4.00pm we participate in the daily procession held by the Franciscans in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Then free evening in the Old City.
Tue Mar 4: 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), the churches of Ascension, Pater Noster and Dominus Flevit where we celebrate the last Mass of the pilgrimage. Then proceed to the Kidron Valley visiting the Garden of Getsemane, Mary’s tomb, the Apostles’ Grotto and the church of Saint Peter’s in Gallicantu (cock crows). Lunch and transfer to Airport, departing Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport at 6.00pm and arriving at Malta International Airport at 8.10pm.
Price per person:
Adult in Triple: e1091
Adult in Twin: e1121
Adult in Single e1328
Child under 12 years with 2 adults e898
Hotels:
Nazareth: Maayan Hotel
Jerusalem: Ramada Hotel
(or similar)
Price includes:
Direct Air Malta flights: Malta / Tel Aviv / Malta
Seven nights accomodation on Full Board basis
Transport as per programme
All entrances
Local English speaking guides
All taxes and tips
A deposit of €200 is requested to effect booking.
NB:
1. Although this is a Pilgrimage the programme has not been crammed purposely to offer moments of relaxation and enjoy the beautiful spots of Israel;
2. The whole Programme will be covered but there might be some adjustments on the day to facilitate travelling or gain time;
3. Everybody is encouraged to be covered by an Insurance policy.
4. Those who would like to enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea are advised to bring the bathing costume.
Travel Agent: Brittania Travel Ltd. Tel: 21238039 – 21245418
Tour Leader & Spiritual Director: Archpriest Evan Caruana Mob:79274587
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