Our Itinerary

Our Lady of Victories - 2010 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Spiritual Director: Father John O’Connor

DAY 4: TUESDAY 20TH APRIL – TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM
We begin our pilgrimage today with a visit to Shepherd’s field (Mass) to commemorate the appearance of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. On to Bethlehem where we will visit the Church of the Nativity built over the stable where Jesus was born, Manger Square and the Grotto of the Holy Manger. We continue to Ein Karem, birthplace of St John the Baptist and site of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth “Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43). We then enter Jerusalem and have an afternoon at leisure to rest or wander at your own pace.
Jerusalem overnight








DAY 5: WEDNESDAY 21ST APRIL – JERUSALEM
We will proceed to the Mt of Olives where we will firstly visit the Church of the Pater Noster commemorating the site where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s prayer (Mt 6:7-15). We then enjoy a panoramic view over the city as we wander past the tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah before arriving for Mass at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (Lk19:41-44). We visit the Church of Mary Magdalene and then onto the Garden of Gethsemane to enter the Church of All Nations containing the bare rock upon which Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest. We proceed to Mt Zion to visit the Cenacle, room of the Last Supper, the Church of Dormition where Our Lady was assumed into heaven. We then proceed to the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu where we will commemorate Peter’s denial of Jesus after His arrest, before visiting King David’s tomb & tower. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
This evening we will journey back to the Garden of Gethsemane for a memorable Holy Hour to contemplate the Agony of Our Lord in the darkened Basilica.
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 6: THURSDAY 22ND APRIL - JERUSALEM
After breakfast we travel to the Temple Mount to view the Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa mosque and the Wailing Wall. Then we come to the Church of St Anne, built over the birthplace of the Virgin Mary and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralysed man (Jn 5:29). We continue onto Ecce Homo convent where we view the Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit the Flagellation and Condemnation Chapels.
We then commence the Stations of the Cross as we
pray and follow in Our Lord’s footsteps along the actual
Via Dolorosa to the Church of Calvary where we will
celebrate an unforgettable Eucharist.
Enjoy a special lunch together in a restaurant overlooking the
Old City.
Continue out to Emmaus (Abu Gosh) where the Disciples
recognised the risen Jesus at the breaking of bread and
exclaimed “Did not our hearts burn within us as he spoke
to us on the road?” (Lk 24:13-35).
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 7: FRIDAY 23RD APRIL – JERSUALEM
We then relive the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany and descend the dark stairs to his tomb. We will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of the Book, a striking modern museum dedicated to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Scale Model of first century Jerusalem. The rest of the day at leisure.
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 8: SATURDAY 24TH APRIL – JERUSALEM TO SEA OF GALILEE
We travel north through the lush Jordan valley and onto Jericho the ‘City of Palms’, which is said to be the oldest inhabited city and most famous oasis. An intriguing look at the excavations assists our understanding of the successive stages of the town walls and its 10,000-year history. Across the valley we ascend by cable car to the Mt of Temptation, the site of Jesus’ fast of 40 days and there are enough stones to illustrate Satan’s words “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.
We then continue north to Beit-She’an and onto Yardenit – Jordan River site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
Continue travelling until we reach Tiberias on the shores of Lake Galilee. “Go to Galilee and you will find him there”
(Mt28:5).
Sea of Galilee overnight

DAY 9: SUNDAY 25TH APRIL – CANA/MT. TABOR
We set out this morning for Nain, where we relive the story of the dead son who Jesus healed and gave back to his mother (Lk 7:15). We then continue to Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle transforming the water into wine at the wedding feast (Jn 2:1-11). We then ascend the narrow road leading to the majestic summit of Mt Tabor for lunch where Our Lord’s divinity shone forth in the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-2). After Mass in the Basilica we will enjoy a special lunch in this breathtaking setting reflecting upon Peter’s words ‘Lord it is good for us to be here’.
Sea of Galilee overnight

DAY 10: MONDAY 26TH APRIL –SEA OF GALILEE
Our memorable Galilee day begins with a visit to Nof Ginosaur Kibbutz within which is preserved the remains of a first century fishing boat as in the days of Christ. Stop at Sowers Bay to reflect on the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9) before proceeding to Capernaum, the centre of Jesus’ teaching and healing and home to Peter the apostle (Mt 9:1 & Jn 6:59). We set off from the shore in a traditional sailing vessel across the sea while remembering the miracles of Jesus when he calmed the storm and appeared to the apostles walking on this very water. After an extended pause in the centre of the lake for prayerful reflection we will arrive at the ‘other side’ at Ein Gev for our special ‘St Peter’s fish’ lunch. Return by road around the lake to Korazin to relive the parables of the House built on the rock and the persevering widow. Onwards to the Church of the Primacy of Peter where Jesus challenged Peter and each one of us ‘Do you really love me, feed my sheep’. Finally we arrive at Tabgha, site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mt 14:20) where we will celebrate a special Mass at the outdoor altar here down by the shore of the lake - a moment to remember!
Sea of Galilee overnight

DAY 11: TUESDAY 27TH APRIL – SEA OF GAILIEE TO NAZARETH
Our day begins with Mass at the Mount of Beatitudes as we take time in this special place of silence to ponder Jesus’ message of happiness (Mt 5:1-12). The adventurous may enjoy a stroll down the mountainside in the tradition of Jesus. We then continue to Sepphoris the original capital of Galilee. Josephus called Sepphoris “the ornament of all Galilee.” Herod Antipas chose this site in 4 B.C. as the capital of his government. We then continue to Nazareth, the town of Jesus’ childhood.
Nazareth overnight

DAY 12: WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL - NAZARETH
This morning we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation (Mass) where a traditional cave becomes the focal point of Mary’s response “Let it be done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Also see the Church of St Joseph, Mary’s Well and a traditional Jewish synagogue. Free time then to wander the historic bazaars as we capture something of everyday life in Nazareth while reflecting upon the hidden life of Jesus.
Nazareth overnight

DAY 13: THURSDAY 29TH APRIL – NAZARETH TO JERUSALEM
Depart Nazareth this morning for Jerusalem via Catacombs of Beit Sher’arim; Haifa (Mass at Mt. Carmel) and Caesarea. Later this afternoon we arrive back at Jerusalem.
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 14: FRIDAY 30TH APRIL – JERUSALEM
This morning we visit Yad Vashem (The Holocaust Museum and gardens, including the Children’s memorial).
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 15: SATURDAY 1ST MAY – JERUSALEM
Free day.
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 16: SUNDAY 2ND MAY – MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA
Travel along the Jericho Road as we remember the parable of the Good Samaritan and journey through desert hills and dry rocky landscape. A fascinating pause will be made at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy. We continue south passing the Dead Sea to Masada where, on arrival, we will embark on the cable car offering spectacular scenery to the summit. Here we will enjoy a guided tour of Herod’s fortress and the Zealot’s last stand.
In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea at En Boqeq – there is nothing like it! We will return to Jerusalem and our hotel in time for dinner.
Jerusalem overnight

DAY 17: MONDAY 3RD MAY – JERUSALEM TO TEL AVIV
This morning do some last minute shopping in the Old City before we depart Jerusalem and enjoy a panoramic tour of Tel Aviv before continuing on to our hotel.
Tel Aviv overnight

DAY 18: TUESDAY 4TH MAY – TEL AVIV TO ROME
Today we depart Tel Aviv for Rome where we will be met by our local representative and transferred to our conveniently located hotel.
Rome overnight








DAY 19: WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY – ROME
Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
Continue by coach and guide to St. Maria Maggiore, St. John in Lateran (First Papal
Residence), Holy Stairs, St. Paul Outside the Walls, a short stroll along the Appian Way before arriving at the Catacombs, underground burial tunnels for Christians and Hebrews.
Rome overnight

DAY 20: THURSDAY 6TH MAY – ROME
After a private Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica we continue
with our guide on a tour of this awe inspiring Basilica, the
largest church in the world. Here among many treasures we
view Michelangelo’s moving ‘Pieta’.
We continue our Christian Rome pilgrimage visiting the
Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Circus Maximus,
Colosseum, Forum, Capitol Hill and Santa Maria in Ara
Coeli.
The rest of the day at leisure.
Rome overnight

DAY 21: FRIDAY 7TH MAY – ROME
A free day to discover the sights of Rome. Strolling through the streets is like walking through the pages of a history book. Marvel at the Pantheon or visit the Church of St Ignatius with its amazing ceiling painted to look like a dome. Indulge in gelati or sip coffee the Italian way, standing in a café. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain or window shop along the Via Condotti. Visit the famous Vatican Musuems or many other exhibitions that may be on.
Rome overnight

DAY 22: SATURDAY 8TH MAY – DEPART ROME

DAY 24: MONDAY 10TH MAY – ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND