My Holy Land Pilgrimage

Reminiscing My Trips

2012-08-24T05:42:00.001-07:00

I was surprised that my friend Mae posted on FB, photos from our trip to Jerusalem (sounds like a children's party game, doesn't it?), the very same day I was reviewing my own photos of my pilgrimages.

What a coincidence! Talk about "thought clouds".

On the other hand, my (Holy Land) roommate Pinpin sent me through e-mail, an invitation for a Marian pilgrimage. Cool! (However, I was blessed to have joined one already, here's my blog on that one My Marian Pilgrimage)

Moments on Photographs

2012-08-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, suddenly I remember the things we did, photos we took (good if I took them, not-so-good if she took them), hotel rooms we overstuffed our things with, the food we munched, outfits we wore (of the same color most of the time), the things we did not buy and those we bought (until her baggage cried out for help), the jokes and secrets we shared, the memories we built. Yup! Pinipin and I (can be a title of a movie or a book, huh).

Above shots were taken at the Imperial Hotel. Buffets are lovely and yummy. Below was at Hotel Leonardo (note of the blue tops). And yes, she's my roommate for this Holy Land trip, Pinpin.

Stormy Weather? Sleep Well

2012-07-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's been raining nowadays, not just the weather, but in my life as well. I am being faced by a couple of challenges and testings. Then, I am comforted by the Holy Spirit by reminding me of this message.

With Christ in your vessel, you can smile and sleep,

even in a storm . . .

Thanks to this video clip file I have of Bro. Bo Sanchez as we sail in the Sea of Galilee.

Have faith. Believe that all storms do end. One of mine did. Alleluia!

Little Great Things

2012-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

The hotel was truly a "wow" and I continue to discover little things that I greatly appreciate . . .

How about this labor-of-love by our room staff? A swan and a butterfly for our white towels (the apple is mine).

Blessings

2012-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Nice lobby and transparent "lift", heheh.

We stayed at a great hotel, the Imperial Hotel . . .

So much blessings.

Fun at the Dead Sea

2012-04-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Stone Arts

2012-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

At Ceasarea, we came at an area where we saw these very large stone art works.

See the giant foot?

What a half body, huh?

A coffin?

Ever so Near

2012-03-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Near the sea . . . near nature . . . near God's creation . . . the feeling of God very very near me . . .

The Power of Endurance

2012-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

"Happy the man who can endure the highest and the lowest fortune. He, who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity, has deprived misfortune of its power."

Seneca, philosopher

The Shepherd

2012-01-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

Being a shepherd is not that high-tech. No need for super skills or equipment, a rod to protect the sheep from danger and a staff to lead them are enough. But one needs a lot of love to really care for the flock and provide them with their daily needs. One can be good or bad in shepherding. We have a Good Shepherd. We are thankful.

¹The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

This was a visit at Genesis Land where we get to wear costumes, eat pita bread with humus, ride a camel and even get a license for riding.

Fiat

2011-12-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

We thank the Blessed Mother Mary for her fiat. Because of her "Yes", we have Christmas Day.

Her acceptance of the Angel Gabriel's announcement that she would bear the Son of God came with the words, "I am the Lord's servant, May it be to me as you have said."

Happy Christmas

2011-12-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

A blessed Christmas to all as we are reminded of the birth of Christ, our Lord.

Hanging Gardens of Haifa

2011-11-28T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Terraces of the Bahá'í Faith, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. The architect is Fariborz Sahba from Iran. Along with the Baha'i Holy Places in Western Galilee, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beginning at its base, the gardens extend almost a kilometer up the side of Mount Carmel, covering some 200,000 square meters of land. The gardens are linked by a set of stairs flanked by twin streams of running water cascading down the mountainside through the steps and terrace bridges.

The gardens have elements of the Persian paradise gardens, isolating the site from the noise of the surroundings and connecting the different Bahá'í buildings on Mount Carmel together.

Source: Wikipedia

City Sights

2011-11-06T05:06:00.001-08:00

After a restful night in a fine hotel, we are out for another scenic spot very early in the morning . . .

Along the way, it seemed like a refreshing city tour . . .

Our destination . . . one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel . . . Haifa.

Excited to see the garden terraces of the Bahá'í Faith, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, located around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel.

The San Damiano Cross

2011-11-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

The San Damiano Cross let us see Christ's crucifixion in another angle. Though I came across this one not in my visit to the Holy Land, rather in my pilgrimage in Italy. I feel it is interesting added information.

The San Damiano Cross is the large Romanesque rood cross that St. Francis of Assisi was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Church. The original cross hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) in Assisi, Italy. Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol of their mission from God. The cross is of a type sometimes called an icon cross because besides the main figure it contains images of other saints and people related to the incident of Christ's crucifixion. The purpose of an icon cross was to teach the meaning of the event depicted and thereby strengthen the faith of the people.

Jesus Christ is represented both as wounded and strong. He stands upright and resolute. His halo already includes the pictures of the glorified cross. The bright white of the Lord's body contrasts with the dark red and black around it and, therefore, accentuates the prominence of Jesus. He projects the life of divine nature in a body pierced by nails in the hands and feet, by the crown of thorns on his head, and by the soldier's lance in his side. This representation contrasts with the regal Christ portrayed on the cross in earlier centuries and the suffering, dying, crucified Christ depicted generally throughout the Church since the beginning of the 14th century. Christ is represented in full stature while all others are smaller. Above the head of Christ is the inscription in Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

The next largest figures are the five witnesses of the crucifixion and witnesses of Jesus as Lord. On the left side are the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, to whom Jesus entrusted his mother. On the right side are Mary Magdalene, Mary, Mother of James, and the centurion who in Matthew's Gospel account asks Christ to heal his son, who is also depicted on the cross on the shoulder of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Both Mary and Mary Magdalene have their hands placed on their cheeks to reflect extreme grief and anguish. The first four witnesses are saints who gave their lives for the Lord and are therefore represented with halos of sanctity. The names of the five major witnesses are written beneath their pictures.

The three smaller figures are represented as witnessing the crucifixion. On the lower left is Longinus the traditional name of the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a lance. He is represented here as holding the lance and looking up at Jesus. The blood running down the right arm of Jesus begins at the elbow and drips straight down and will land on the upturned face of Longinus. In the lower right is Stephaton, the traditional name for the soldier who offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine. From the his posture, one can see that he holds the staff and sponge in the same way that Longinus holds the lance.

Peering over the left shoulder of the centurion is a small face. A close look reveals the tops of the heads of three others beside him. This represents the centurion's son who was healed by Jesus and the rest of his family to show that "he and his whole household believed" (John 4:45-54).

Six angels are represented as marvelling over the event of the crucifixion. They are positioned at both ends of the crossbar. Their hand gestures indicate they are discussing this wondrous event of the death and calling us to marvel with them.

At the foot of the cross there is a damaged picture of six figures, two of whom are represented with halos. In accordance with the traditions of the day, these six are the patrons of Umbria: St. John, St. Michael, St. Rufino, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter and St. Paul.

On the top of the cross, one sees Jesus now fully clothed in his regal garments and carrying the cross as a triumphant scepter. He is climbing out of the tomb and into the heavenly courts. Ten angels are crowded around, five of whom have their hands extended in a welcoming gesture to Jesus, who himself has his hand raised in the form of a greeting.

At the very top of the cross is the Hand of God with two fingers extended. This is to be understood as the blessing of God the Father on the sacrifice of his Son.

On the right side of the picture next to the left calf of Jesus, there is a small figure of a fowl. Some art historians have interpreted it to be a rooster, representing the sign of Jesus' denial by Peter, mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. Other commentators see it as a peacock, a frequent symbol of immortality in Early Christian art.

Source: Wikipedia

The Dome of the Rock

2011-10-24T20:42:00.001-07:00

Below is the panorama of the Western Wall with the Dome of the Rock at the background (at the center, gold in color) .

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The site's significance stems from religious traditions regarding the rock, known as the Foundation Stone, at its heart. The Dome of the Rock is located at the visual center of a platform known as the Temple Mount.

Prayers on the Wall

2011-10-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

So excited that particular day, for we went to visit the "Wailing Wall" also known as the Western Wall. We were to go there to say our earnest prayers, prayers we brought along in our hearts and written down on paper.

I think I am suppose to continue to face the wall, even if I was already walking away from it.

Oooh. What now? The papers are so big, I can't insert them in the cracks, without them falling off. What to do? Re-write the prayers on smaller sizes of paper. There, there, success!!!

Look at the slips of paper containing prayers in the cracks of the Wall.

We all have that common faith and hope that we will receive answers to offered prayers. Blessings to us all!

On Trust

2011-10-11T06:03:00.001-07:00

Be still and know that I am God :
I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

It's time to surrender everything to Him and to totally put my trust in Him. Let Him be my guide.

Paired to the verse above is the verse below.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

The photo was taken at the Benedictine Monastery, the Monastere de la Resurrection, one of the most beautiful buildings preserved from the Crusader Period that can still be visited.

Mater Dolorosa

2011-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Below are some of the photos I took at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Golgotha) in Jerusalem.

Our Lady of Sorrows, the Sorrowful Mother or Mother of Sorrows and Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows or Our Lady of the Seven Dolors are names by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is referred to in relation to sorrows in her life.

As Mater Dolorosa, it is also a key subject for Marian art in the Catholic Church.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a popular Roman Catholic devotion. There are devotional prayers which consist of meditation on her Seven Sorrows.

The Seven Sorrows (or Dolors) are events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary which are a popular devotion and are frequently depicted in art.

It is a common devotion for Catholics to say daily one Our Father and seven Hail Mary for each.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34-35)
2. The Flight into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13)
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:43-45)
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary. (Luke 23:26)
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross. (John 19:25)
6. Mary Receives the Body of Jesus in Her Arms. (Matthew 27:57-59)
7. The Body of Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb. (John 19:40-42)

Birthday Greeting

2011-09-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanna greet our mother "Happy Birthday, Mama Mary"!

Photo taken in Haifa, Israel. This is at the Stella Maris Monastery, a 19th-century Carmelite monastery located on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

The Prayer of the Heart

2011-09-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

The Jesus Prayer . . . the prayer of the heart . . .

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

When I arise in the morning, it starts me joyfully upon a new day. When I travel by air, land, or sea, it sings within my breast When I stand upon a platform and face my listeners, it beats encouragement. When I gather my children around me, it murmurs a blessing. And at the end of a weary day, when I lay me down to rest, I give my heart over to Jesus: "(Lord) into thy hands I commend my spirit". I sleep--but my heart as it beats prays on: "JESUS."
H.R.H. Princess Ileana of Romania

By the grace of God I am a Christian, by my deeds a great sinner, . . .
From the book "The Way of a Pilgrim and the Pilgrim Continues His Way"
The photo I took (in such awe) when I visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

God's Words

2011-08-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Three bible verses keep on crossing my mind today, all from the gospel of Matthew.

Photo below was taken at "The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes", located in Tabgha, on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Matthew 6: 21

Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Matthew 6: 25

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Matthew 6: 31

God's words are powerful, they multiply blessings. God bless you with His words, the words of life.

May the Lord bless you exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ever hope for.
Philippians 4:19.

Frescoes

2011-08-17T03:18:00.001-07:00

Remember "the walk in Emmaus"?

Abu Ghosh is located in the middle of the Kiryat Yearim Ridge Route between Nicopolis and Jerusalem, nine miles from the capital. A convent of Minorites with a Gothic church in Abu Ghosh was turned into a stable. Robinson dated it to the Crusader period and declared it "more perfectly preserved than any other ancient church in Palestine." Excavations carried out in 1944 corresponded with Crusader identification of the site as Emmaus.

Source: Wikipedia

It was in Abu Gosh, where I was able to visit our very first church in Israel, that's between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Awesome! It is the Benedictine Monastery, the Monastere de la Resurrection, one of the most beautiful buildings preserved from the Crusader Period that can still be visited.

What caught my eye was the fresco, of faceless people including Jesus Christ, covering part of the walls of the church. Got the feeling that these work of art dated way back.

Also, a fountain flows from the crypt at the base of the monastery.

We celebrated mass in the church, one that uplifted our souls.

I do remember seeing frescoes in Italy. Did some research and found the notes below.

Frescoes are paintings which are executed on plaster. Italy is particularly famous for its frescoes, but the art form can also be found in other cultures as well, where the relatively dry climate preserves frescoes. Many frescoes are quite ancient. The primary advantage of traditional frescoes is that they are surprisingly durable. Ancient frescoes which are hundreds of years old have been found more or less intact, or with enough clear imagery to make it easy to fill in the blanks. Since the pigments are bound to the plaster, they do not flake or chip off over the years. Most frescoes are executed on a huge scale, which can actually be quite challenging for the artist. Artists must create works of art which look pleasing up close and from a distance, often employing tricks of perspective to enhance the finished work.

Source : Wise Geek

Choose God Over Your Mountain

2011-08-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from Bo Sanchez's article, just what I needed now . . .

Mountains seem big. They’re one of the biggest things our eyes can see. And mountains seem immovable. You don’t wake up each morning asking, “Hmm, I wonder where Mount Everest traveled today…” Some of us think of our problems as mountains because they’re big and they’re immovable. You see your financial problem as a mountain, your physical sickness as a mountain, your relationship problem as a mountain… Many times, problems seem permanent. But they’re not. I believe God is permanent; And God’s Love is permanent; And God’s plan to bless you is permanent; And you are permanent! But all problems are temporary.

It’s really your choice. Will you have faith in God or in your mountains?

Relics

2011-07-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

At church, the priest shared his insights on relics. I came to know why we do what we do - kiss images of saints, touch them or use our handkerchiefs to wipe the statues of Jesus and Mary.

During our pilgrimage, people were in a hurry to line-up just to be able to go near and touch famous relics like the Nativity Star inside the Church of the Nativity.

This silver star, beneath the altar in the Grotto of the Nativity, marks the spot believed to be the Birthplace of Jesus.

A relic is an object or a personal item of religious significance, carefully preserved with an air of veneration as a tangible memorial. Relics are an important aspect of some forms of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Shamanism, and many other religions.

The word relic comes from the Latin reliquiae, meaning "remains". A reliquary is a shrine that houses one or more relics.

* First-Class Relics: Items directly associated with the events of Christ's life (manger, cross, etc.), or the physical remains of a saint (a bone, a hair, a limb, etc.). Traditionally, a martyr's relics are often more prized than the relics of other saints. Also, some saints' relics are known for their extraordinary incorruptibility and so would have high regard. Parts of the saint that were significant to that saint's life are more prized relics. For instance, King St. Stephen of Hungary's right forearm is especially important because of his status as a ruler. A famous theologian's head may be his most important relic. (The head of St. Thomas Aquinas was removed by the monks at the Cistercian abbey at Fossanova where he died). If a saint did a lot of travelling then the bones of his feet may be prized. Current Catholic teaching prohibits relics to be divided up into small, unrecognizable parts if they are to be used in liturgy (i.e., as in an altar; see the rubrics listed in Rite Of Dedication of a Church and an Altar).

* Second-Class Relics: An item that the saint wore (a shirt, a glove, etc.) Also included is an item that the saint owned or frequently used, for example, a crucifix, rosary, book etc. Again, an item more important in the saint's life is thus a more important relic.

* Third-Class Relics: Any object that is touched to a first- or second-class relic. Most third-class relics are small pieces of cloth.

The sale of relics is strictly forbidden by the Church.

Below is a stone where the dead body of our Lord was laid.

Saint Jerome declared, "We do not worship, we do not adore, for fear that we should bow down to the creature rather than to the creator, but we venerate the relics of the martyrs in order the better to adore him whose martyrs they are."

Source: Wikipedia