READING PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

Greetings from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jericho, where we will be celebrating our Sunday Mass. Today, this ancient biblical city is largely Arab Muslim, however two Franciscan priests care for the small catholic community. We will view the Tree of Zaccheus and the Mount of Temptation, where the spectacular monastery is built into the hills. Jericho is located very near the Dead Sea in the desert. Earlier in the day we took the cable car to the top of Masada—Herod’s desert fortress. This evening we will continue to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There we will make the trip across the lake, visit the Mount of Beatitudes and celebrate Mass outdoors on the lake shore. Also we will visit Nazareth—Jesus’ home town and visit the ancient synagogue, where Joseph, Mary and Jesus prayed.