Every pilgrim knows that once you’ve been to the Holy Land, “Ordinary Time” is never ordinary again. You can’t walk in the footsteps of Our Lord and not be affected when you hear the Gospel message. Ordinary Time, which begins this Sunday, is not called so because it is “not interesting.” The phrase is derived … Read More
The Ladder That Hasn’t Moved in Hundreds of Years
For 250 years, a ladder has stood almost unmoved, a symbol of division and the aspiration for healing.
St. John the Baptist: Cousin, Outcast, Commencer
The Man A distant cousin of Jesus, John makes his first appearance in the Gospels when the angel Gabriel first announces his conception to Elizabeth and Zechariah, an aging couple who had previously been unable to bear children. Overcome with disbelief at the angel’s message, Zechariah voiced his skepticism and was instantly stricken with muteness, … Read More
Simon “The Rock” Peter – The Stones that Symbolize the First Papacy
Found in Tabgha along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, not far from where the multiplication of the loaves and fishes took place, is a quaint Roman Catholic Church made of gray stone. It’s quite simple, with a single column that is topped off by a bell and crucifix, and a few windows peppering the outside walls. Its red roof stands out amongst the greenery that surrounds it. This is the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, a site that commemorates the event that started a papal lineage that spans 265 successors.
The Upper Room: More Than Just a Renaissance Man Cave
When the Upper Room is mentioned, the first thing that might come to mind is Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. In his version it’s a room with a high ceiling, big enough to accommodate a table for thirteen diners (perhaps even more if they didn’t all have to sit on the same side of the … Read More
360 Tour of Church of the Transfiguration
This virtual reality tour of the Church of the Transfiguration allows the viewer to imagine standing where Peter, James, and John stood as they watched Christ transfigured before them and heard the Father’s words: “This is my Son, my beloved. Listen to Him!”
Rejoicing in the Church Where Jesus Wept
As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They … Read More
What These College Students Did During Their Holy Land Pilgrimage Might Surprise You
If you were blessed to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, what would you want to do, and where would you want to go? How would you walk in the footsteps of Christ? Perhaps, you’d like to stand beside the River Jordan and gather water from the river where John baptized Christ. Maybe you’d … Read More
Christians in the Holy Land: How They Struggle and How We Can Help
At Tekton Ministries, we believe that every Catholic should visit the Holy Land at least once in their lifetime. The experience of walking where Christ once trod, stepping into the waters of the Jordan where Jesus was baptized, kneeling in prayer where Christ was crucified, and again at the tomb where he resurrected, will strengthen … Read More
Ein Karem and John the Baptist
In the southwest part of Jerusalem lies the ancient village of Ein Karem, literally meaning “Spring of the Vineyard,” and known by some as the “most beautiful neighborhood in Jerusalem.” Surrounded by green hills and forests, many travel to this village to experience its picturesque beauty and visit the various Christian and historical sites there. … Read More
Pilgrimaging Not Just for Ourselves but for Others
A pilgrimage is an opportunity to draw closer to our Lord. It is more than just a trip or a vacation, but an answer to the call from the Lord as He calls us to come and follow Him. A pilgrimage can be a time to carry special intentions for oneself or for others who … Read More
Holy Week in the Holy Land
The greatest pilgrimage of all – that of Our Lord on His way to the Cross – took place in and around the modern city of Jerusalem. The steps He took for our salvation nearly 2000 years ago can be retraced even today. The sites He made holy are surrounded by celebration and throughout the … Read More
“Where the Word became Flesh”
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is not complete without a visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. This holy site is where God first humbled Himself to become one of us – where “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This remarkable event from our salvation history … Read More
The Via Dolorosa
It is a weekly tradition in the Holy Land to walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) on Fridays at 3:00 p.m. The Franciscans lead this procession through the winding streets of the Old City of Jerusalem following in the footsteps of Christ and His suffering. The procession marks the path Jesus walked under the … Read More
