Saturday March 3, 2018

The final day of the Heights Holy Land Pilgrimage began with Holy Mass at 7 AM on Calvary at the Holy Sepulcher. Father Diego celebrated this very special Mass for the group on the Franciscan altar on the right side of the very place of the crucifixion.
After breakfast, the boys departed by bus for Ain Karem to visit the Birthplace of John the Baptist. This was followed by hiking up the mountain to visit the Church of the Visitation where Mary visited Elizabeth. After lunch, the group stopped by the Israeli Museum to view the amazing 1/15 scale Model of Jerusalem (depicted at the time of Our Lord) This helped the boys to gain an understanding of key places such as the Temple, Golgatha, and the Tomb they saw in newer Jerusalem. This was followed by free time in Jerusalem.
After dinner, the group departed for the Franciscan Hermitage property above the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Father celebrated Holy Mass in a cave in the area where Our Lord often prayed, overlooking the Holy City of Jerusalem. During this Mass and Holy Hour, the boys were able to reflect on their visit to the Holy Land and hopefully how the trip has impacted their Catholic faith.

Scripture reading for the visit today in the Holy Land
Coming within sight of the city, Jesus wept over it and said “If only you had known the path to peace this day; but you have completely lost it from view!”
Luke 19: 41-42


