Saturday, February 29, 2020

Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth, Israel

Sisters of Nazareth Convent / Pilgrim House. Home base for the Heights while in Nazareth

Update: 11:45 PM, Nazareth, Israel  /4:45 PM Washington D.C Time

(TIME Note: Israel Standard time  is 7 Hours ahead of Eastern Standard time in Washington, D.C)

After much anticipation, the men of the Height’s Holy Land Crescite Trip departed Dulles airport last night en route to Tel Aviv, Israel via Vienna Austria. They arrived on time in Tel Aviv, Israel around 2:45 PM and cleared Passport Control, glad to finally have their feet on holy soil. Our dear travelers then met their trusty guide, Hussam, and able driver, Karim, veterans of JMJ Tours. After boarding their private tour bus, the pilgrims headed north along the Mediterranean Sea Coast towards Nazareth. Traffic was minimal today due to the Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath),  many Jews—careful to keep the Sabbath—are known to keep to their homes during this time.

After arriving at Nazareth in the late afternoon the group checked-in to their rooms at the Sisters of Nazareth Guest House. Father Diego celebrated Holy Mass for the boys in the Chapel. A sumptuous arrival dinner followed in the dining room where the wary travelers exchanged stories of journeys past and eagerly discussed the journeys to come. The evening also featured a visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation (located just across the street) for the Rosary Procession.

The group has now retired for the evening, hoping to rest well in preparation for a full day tomorrow featuring more of Nazareth, Mount Tabor and Cana.