Friday, March 6, 2020
Altar or the Crucifixion (Golgatha/ Calvary) Holy Sepulchre Church, Jerusalem
Father Diego celebrating Holy Mass on Calvary, Holy Sepulchre
Venerating the the rock that held the cross of Jesus
Heights boys on the steps of the Holy Sepulchre Church
Lunch at Notre Dame Hotel
The Via Dolorosa (The actual Stations of the Cross)
The boys walking the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross)
Streets of the Via Dolorosa , Jerusalem
Boys Rosary Walk at Ein Karem
End of the night get together at the Franciscan Casa, Jerusalem
10 am, March 7
Good morning. We apologize for the delay in posting last night’s update. (Please see the update for yesterday, March 6 below this post) The new flight arrangements required the planning of an additional day in Israel. Yesterday was a very busy day arranging the extension of the trip. This involved extensive communications with our guides and contacts in Israel as well as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to ensure a safe departure for the Heights boys and staff. These communications extended well into Friday evening.
Today, the boys are enjoying the beach on the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv. We have arranged for Father Diego to celebrate a vigil Mass for the group to satisfy their Sunday obligation. This Holy Mass will be in the magnificent St. Peter’s Church on the sea in Jaffa (See Photos)
St. Peter’s on the sea in Jaffa, Israel
Interior of Saint Peters Church in old city Jaffa, Israel
I am sure you will agree that the boys are by no means roughing it in this Mediterranean paradise.
We will post an update tonight concerning today, March 7, hopefully around 8:30 PM.
March 6 update – Last day in the Holy City of Jerusalem
The Heights group was early to rise on this first rainy day of the trip. They would soon have the honor of celebrating Holy Mass on the site of Calvary. The boys arrived at the Holy Sepulchre Church and ascended the steep, curving stairs leading to this special chapel where Christ suffered the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Father Diego offered the Mass for the group at the Catholic Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross on this the site of the Eleventh Station.
After returning to the Franciscan Casa for breakfast, the boys then prepared to depart in the wet weather to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on the famous Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows). They arrived at the first station on the second Friday of Lent and followed the narrow passages past the marketplace, much like Christ on Good Friday, stopping at each station to recite the Way of the Cross prayers. They eventually worked their way back to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre returning to Calvary one final time.
Upon completion of the Via Dolorosa, it was time for a special fish lunch at Jerusalem’s magnificent Pontifical Institute of Notre Dame. This towering French cathedral and guest house is located across from the ancient walls of the Old City’s New Gate.
After lunch the group headed to Ein Karem. Christian tradition places the birth place of John the Baptist here. The boys walked while saying the rosary then prayed in the Church of the Nativity of St. John.
Friday evening, the Franciscan Casa Nova hosted a special lenten farewell dinner for the boys featuring pizza and meatless lasagna. Having spent most of the day in the rain, The Heights staff decided to stay at home this evening. The boys broke into two groups: seniors and juniors. Each group spent some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. They reflected on all the blessings and new knowledge of our faith which they received on the pilgrimage. The groups then shared their favorite stories from the trip. The Heights staff remarked that it was a most enjoyable evening for all. Many of the boys spoke individually with Father Diego as well.
With the later flight now scheduled for Saturday evening, the boys were excited to get a full night’s sleep and prepare for an extra day in beautiful coastal Israel.