Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (NIV)

Christian Pilgrimages and Tours of Israel, the Holy Land.

The Pilgrimage Experience “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” (Jn. 1:14)* Pilgrims frequently describe their pilgrimage to the Holy Land as a life-changing experience. They find it difficult to express the absolute bliss they feel during this unique spiritual adventure.

As they literally follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ, some find the journey a way to get closer to Jesus or to discover the roots of their Christian faith. Others recount passionate feelings of being human bridges for peace and reconciliation or of feeling part of the rich tapestry of religious history that inspires every corner of this Holy Land. Despite the deeply personal nature of the Holy Land experience, the pilgrimage itself unites all believers as one. It unites them in Christ, in Faith and in their contribution to preserve the precious Christian heritage in this magnificent land. “And he said to them, "Follow me…” (Matt. 4:19)*

There are many sites for a Christian Pilgrim to visit.

1. Sites in Jerusalem.
2. Sites in Northern Israel.
3. Sites in Central and Southern Israel.
4. Sites under Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction.

4.Sites under Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction. Sites under Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, has been a prime destination for Christian pilgrims for centuries: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Lk. 2:4-7).

The main site in Bethlehem is the Church of Nativity on Manger Square, built over the grotto where Jesus was born. The Church of Saint Catherine is connected to the Church of Nativity at its northern end. Steps leading down from the main hall of the Church of Saint Catherine arrive at a series of caves, one of which is the Chapel of Saint Jerome. The famous Shepherds’ Fields are also located near Bethlehem.

The Mount of Temptation, near Jericho: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). Also called “Mount Quarantal” which means 40, in reference to Jesus' fast of “forty days and forty nights” (Matt. 4:2). The Quarantal Monastery stands half way up the mountain. Bethany was the village of Mary, Martha and Lazarus: “Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha” (Jn. 11:1). Jesus stayed at Simon the leper's house in Bethany: “Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper” (Matt. 26:6). The Franciscan Church, dedicated to St Lazarus, is close to The Tomb of Lazarus.

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