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
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of … Read More
For 250 years, a ladder has stood almost unmoved, a symbol of division and the aspiration for healing.
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Holy Land
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
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 10th, 2020Holy Land
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.
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 16th, 2020Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
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
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!”
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
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
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
Andrea JLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections
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
Andrea JLast Updated: April 4th, 2024Holy Land
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
This is the eighth video in a series of 10 video reflections by Archbishop Tobin on his Catholic Holy Land pilgrimage with faithful from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Please make sure to like and share his story so others can be inspired as well.
