Saturday, March 7, 2020

Final day in Israel

Previously, the boys had been scheduled to depart in the middle of the night. Due to the flight change, the boys were able to enjoy a full nights sleep. A small group decided to wake up early and spend some additional time at the nearby Holy Sepulchre for one last look at the Tomb, Calvary and the many chapels that comprise this vast church.

Following their final breakfast, the boys bid farewell to the Franciscan Casa Nova that served as their home in Old Jerusalem. They made their way under the direction of our guide Hussam to the Church of the Dormition on Mt. Zion where Mary “fell asleep.” To honor Mary at this beautiful place, the group sang the Salve Regina.

Remaining on Mount Zion (the highest point of the city) the group proceeded to the next stop this morning, St. Peter in Gallicantu, one of the most stunning churches in Jerusalem. This church commemorates St. Peter’s triple denial of Jesus. It features a rooster atop a black cross. Under the church is the dungeon/cell where Jesus was detained alone overnight following his arrest.

The group then boarded the bus and bid farewell to the Holy City of Jerusalem passing by to view the U.S. Embassy in route to Tel Aviv.

On arrival in Tel Aviv, located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, the group enjoyed lunch and the beautiful view of the sea. The largest city in Israel, features 1930s Bauhaus buildings and modern tall structures overlooking the beaches. It is quite an amazing site.

Father Diego then celebrated a special vigil Mass to satisfy the boys Sunday obligation at the Franciscan Church of St. Peter in the City of Jaffa, just south of Tel Aviv. This is the place where Peter had a vision that caused him to change his mind about accepting Gentiles into the church. The vision is featured in the painting above the main altar. St. Peter’s also played host to Napoleon Bonaparte, who reportedly stayed in a room in the church when he came to Old Jaffa in 1799.

In a fitting moment of thanks for their pilgrimage to the Holy Land at the end of Mass, the boys and faculty broke out in song, singing The Heights school song. (See video above)

Just before heading to the airport on the bus the boys explored the beach and the shores for one last look over the Mediterranean Sea. While on the bus the group paid tribute to our guide Hussam, who heroically lead the boys safely through the Holy Land for eight full days. He treated the boys and faculty of the Heights as family. The boys cheered as Richard Ybarra presented him and our faithful bus driver Karim with their tip envelopes. They also presented them with gifts from The Heights as a token of appreciation including a 50th anniversary hat.

The group arrived at the airport safely and cleared security. I am happy to report they are now on their way home.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to bring your boys closer to our Lord with this visit to the Holy Land.

Regards,

Dan Callahan
Pilgrimage Director
JMJ Tours

IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION

The flight (United Flight #73) is currently ahead of schedule. You can follow the progress of at this link:

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL73

IMPORTANT: In addition, please remember tonight is the beginning of DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. Please set your clocks ahead one hour in order to arrive at the airport at the appropriate time. The boys will also have to clear U.S. Customs and Immigration.