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Today we started with Mass at the Garden of Gethsemane. The church is designed to simulate the lighting at dusk and it works. The altar is next to the rock that Jesus is said to have prayed on. There was an echo in the church that just hung on forever. In the garden are olive trees that they say are 2000 years old. After seeing them, I don't think I would argue.
We then went to the Old City and enter the city in the Moslem Quarter to start the Via Dolorosa or better known to us as the Stations of the Cross. We carried a large cross with us through the streets, alleys and market places of the city. We were even mocked by some as we progressed through the streets. We ended up at the tomb of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Five different churches laid claim to this spot and it is sad to hear of their disagreements. It is so bad they have to have a Muslim in charge of the keys to the church. It was neat to see the pilgrims from all over the world coming to this location.
We then made are way to the Wailing Wall or what the Israelis prefer to call the Western Wall since 1948. There were hundreds of Jews praying with their whole bodies at the wall. I put on my yarmaluke and proceeded to the wall to pray where others have prayed for over a 1000 years. This was the most moving part of the trip for me as images of family and friends just rolled through my mind as I leaned against the wall. It was awesome. I am so blessed to be here and to be able to share it with so many.
Thank you for your prayers. Some ankles are swollen and some knees are stiff, but it hasn't slowed us down.
Thanks! It's been great reading your daily updates. What a wonderful trip! "Hi" to Mom (Dorothy), Steve and Margaret, Polly, Janet, Jim and Beth. Keeping all of you in our prayers! Don and Barb B.
ReplyDeleteGene,
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob (the new Catholic) and Carol
Hello to everyone. I am Marceile Dundon's daughter. We're keeping all of you in our prayers. Keep up the blogging. It's nice to be able to see how the trip is going.
ReplyDeletePlease pass the word along to my mother that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the Super Bowl playing the Arizona Cardinals.
Hi Mum and Aunt MJ,
ReplyDeleteThank you to the gentleman who is making this possible. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers today. It is truly wonderful to be able to see how the trip is unfolding. I was very relieved to see the peace process holding. Hope you have a wonderful last full day of experiences. Here in New Hampshire, we have more snow - 10 inches more yesterday and last night! Celebrating Martin Luther King Day here today, and the USA is getting really excited for Inauguration Day tomorrow!! Quite a historical moment for America! There was a wonderful concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday and we were able to catch it on TV. It is very exciting to be an American this week- in particular. Enjoy your last few days....miss talking to you during the week,Mom. Safe journey continued......
Love, lynn
Dave, Fr. Dan, and fellow pilgrims,
ReplyDeleteYour travels were read and discussed widely this Sunday. A particular hit seemed to be wading in the Jordan river. Anywhere that was warm enough for water not to freeze seems exciting this week. Please remind my mother-in-law that she has taken a vow to not buy anything she cannot "Do, eat, or wear."
God bless and come home safe.
Deacon Ed Souza
Hi Dave, Fr. Dan, Barb & all the gang. All these snow days have allowed me to spend time reading your blog Dave and experiencing the trip I so wanted to take vicariously. Can we go to Greece in the summmer Fr. Dan? Paul and I have visited several times, and in fact honeymooned in Greece, and would love to take a spiritual journey back there. Enjoy the rest of your trip and have a safe journey home. By the way Dave, we just wondered with you celebrating mass in a different place each day, how do you know which seat is yours? LOL
ReplyDeleteWith all these people back home wondering who the man is responsible for the blog and wanting to thank him you will need to have an autograph sighning meet and greet in the parish hall on your return.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
We are keeping you in our prayers.
The Claytons
Hello. I am Mary Jeanne Toole and Joan Knoll's niece from Oregon. I have been thinking about you and am pleased to hear that you are safe and your pilgrimage is going as planned. Please say a prayer for our family. We are doing ok but our son Mike lost his job right after he returned from his trip to Italy. Thanks for sharing your trip via the blog. It is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mary Jeanne