How Christians, Muslims can find peace By Paul Moses, Special to CNN January 2, 2011 2:12 p.m. EST

How Christians, Muslims can find peace By Paul Moses, Special to CNN January 2, 2011 2:12 p.m. EST

Read Full Post »

Bethlehem Christmas 2010

I came across this news piece posted for Christmas Eve. I thought today at Mass, while singing “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem”, that once you have been to Bethlehem the song gets a new depth of meaning. Check out this video to get a taste of what it is like to visit today — a [...]

Read Full Post »

O Little Town

While in Bethlehem, I wandered by shops on a small street that runs off of Manger Square.  I wanted something locally handmade — something I could wear.  This handmade cross-stitched shawl became “the” purchase of my pilgrimage — something that ties me to the people.  I pray for the hands that made it. Merry Christmas! [...]

Read Full Post »

A Roof Over His Head

I’ve been thinking of this post for two or three weeks — another pilgrimage reflection — a bit of humor.  A visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem — the place where ‘the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head — away in the manger.” Here our group was divided in half [...]

Read Full Post »

Trust God More

At Mass, one of my favorite parts are the priest’s words at the end of the Our Father.  I pray them interiorly as he speaks – Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day.  In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Revisited

A little over ten years ago I made my first Holy Land Pilgrimage.  I concluded that it would be a once in a life time trip.  Never say never.  The opportunity presented itself to go on another pilgrimage in late October with the priests of my parish and a few parishioners.  We were joined by [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Pilgrim Journal Day 7

Continuing with Day 7 of excerpts from my February 2000 Jubilee year Holy Land pilgrimage journal. Day 7 – Monday, 2/21/2000 – Bethany/Masada/Qumran/Dead Sea We begin with a visit to Bethany, the hometown of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.  We celebrate Mass at St. Lazarus’ church and descend into a cave to visit his tomb.  I never realized [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Pilgrim Journal Day 6

Continuing with Day 6 of excerpts from my February 2000 Jubilee year Holy Land pilgrimage journal. Day 6 – Sunday, 2/20/2000 – Old Jerusalem/Wailing Wall/Holocaust Museum/Ein Karem Our day started with a visit to the Temple Mount and Wailing Wall.  Shoeless, we visit Al-Asqa, the Dome of the Rock.  At the Wailing Wall, I am able [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Pilgrim Journal Day 5

Continuing with Day 5 of excerpts from my February 2000 Jubilee year Holy Land pilgrimage journal. Day 5 – Saturday, 2/19/00 Jerusalem/Mt. of Olives/Bethlehem/Shepherd’s Field Today was the most emotional day yet.  We began on the Mt. of Olives and walked the Palm Sunday path.  We paused as Father read the scripture where the disciples [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Pilgrim Journal Day 4

Continuing with Day 4 of excerpts from my February 2000 Jubilee year Holy Land pilgrimage journal. Day 4 – Friday, 2/18/00 Tiberias to Jerusalem via Jericho The day begins with a journey to Haifa and Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.   I have the first reading here and we have a beautiful view of the [...]

Read Full Post »

Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 3

Continuing with Day 3 of excerpts from my February 2000 Jubilee  year Holy Land pilgrimage journal Day 3 – Thur, 2/17/2000 Sea of Galilee The day begins with our boat ride across the Sea of Galilee on the “Jesus Boat.”  We stopped in the middle of the sea as our priest read the scriptures of [...]

Read Full Post »

A Holy Land Pilgrim Arrives – Day 1

On February 14, 2000, I boarded a plane for the Holy Land – a Jubilee year pilgrimage led by a priest from my parish.  Never in my life would I imagine making such a trip.   While there, I kept a daily journal of my experiences.   Beginning today through Palm Sunday, my weekly post will [...]

Read Full Post »