A Pilgrim's Perspective: The Pilgrimage of a Lifetime - The Holy Land Franciscan Pilgrimages

Franciscan Holy Land Pilgrim, Anne McDonald, went on pilgrimage in September 2017, and graciously shared some of her photographs, offering some thoughts about her experience.

A Pilgrimage of a Lifetime

Every Catholic should have to make this pilgrimage as early as possible. It puts everything into perspective, especially the proximity of all the sites: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem…

You can visualize Jesus walking to Peter’s house, praying, and teaching during His three year ministry through the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias, all the sites of His miracles, and for me, Capernum. It was the most spiritual and insightful spot. I could sit on that beach and meditate endlessly.

As a fan of Mary Magdalene, we just had to visit Magdala and literally walk in the steps of Jesus. I can only say to those considering this pilgrimage… Go! You will never be the same.

Shepherd’s Field Shrine, outside Bethlehem in Beit Sahour

This site commemorates the appearance of the angels to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. The three shepherds in this magnificent fresco looked so real, soulful, and present. There was an old shepherd, a middle-aged shepherd, and a young boy. The boy can be seen dancing and rejoicing having seen the newborn Messiah. This young shepherd’s energy, leaping with joy, is mesmerizing and infectious.

Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee

Capernaum was the home of Peter, James, Andrew, and John. It was also at the center of many moments with Jesus in the Gospels. For me, there was no more powerful spot in the Holy Land. Jesus was once here. He walked here. He prayed here. He blessed his disciples and followers here. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, you can almost see Him meditating, alone on the shore. This heart shaped stone was part of a tribute built in Tabgha, on the Sea of Galilee, next to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. This is believed to be the place where the Lord Jesus stood.

Petra, Jordan, One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Petra, also known as the Rose City, is the 7th Wonder of the World and seeing it was the completion of a lifelong Bucket List! The walk in through the Siq is spectacular, literally right out of a movie (Indiana Jones). The dazzling Treasury building is a UNESCO world heritage site. I recommend watching the NOVA/PBS documentary on Petra: Lost City of Stone.

The Church of St. Anne, the best preserved Crusader Church in Jerusalem

This site marks Jesus’ grandparents’, Anne and Joachim, home and the birthplace of Mary! Who knew Mary was a city girl?! It is administered by the Missionaries Of Our Lady Of Africa Of Algeria, also known as the “Pères Blancs” or “White Fathers”. This wonderful priest asked me my name and when I said “Anne,” he was so happy and responded, “How fortunate you are!” Then, he gave me a blessing that I still carry with me today.

See these sites as soon as May 2! Join Franciscan Holy Land Pilgrimages and their 800 years of experience in the Holy Land, on an upcoming pilgrimage or organize a pilgrimage for your group. CLICK HERE for more information!

A Pilgrim’s Perspective: The Pilgrimage of a Lifetime