A Trinitarian Pilgrimage in the Company of Elijah
Holy Land Pilgrimage
Walk Where Jesus Walked!
Group Leaders: Dr. Anthony Lilles & Sister Magdalit
Sponsored by Discerning Hearts
May 21 - 31, 2023
MB052522
A Trinitarian Pilgrimage in the Company of Elijah
Holy Land Pilgrimage
Walk Where Jesus Walked!
Group Leaders:
Dr. Anthony Lilles
& Sister Magdalit
Sponsored by Discerning Hearts
May 21 - 31, 2023
MB052522
Holy Land · The Negev · Ein Gedi · Jordan · Jericho · Nazareth · Mount Carmel · Stella Maris · Muhraka · Carmelites · Tabor · Cana · Capharnahum · Mount of Beatitudes · Tabgha · Jerusalem · Bethlehem · Temple Mount · Mt. of Olives · Gallicantu · Via Dolorosa · Mt. Zion · Emmaus
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Holy Land · The Negev · Ein Gedi · Jordan · Jericho · Nazareth · Mount Carmel · Stella Maris · Muhraka · Carmelites · Tabor · Cana · Capharnahum · Mount of Beatitudes · Tabgha · Jerusalem · Bethlehem · Temple Mount · Mt. of Olives · Gallicantu · Via Dolorosa · Mt. Zion · Emmaus
If you desire to draw closer to Jesus of Nazareth, come, as we follow in His footsteps. Each day of your pilgrimage you will have time to renew and affirm your faith; to pray and reflect. The Scriptures will come alive as you visit Our Lord's homeland. You will be inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, in addition to its rich historical heritage It is an encounter that has changed the lives of many pilgrims, an act of faith and prayer. Pilgrims have been traveling to the Holy Land for hundreds of years, and as part of your pilgrimage, we include many of the rich traditions that have evolved over time. The maxim at the entrance to the Church of the Nativity says: "We are hoping that: If you enter here as a tourist, you would exit as a pilgrim. If you enter here as a pilgrim, you would exit as a holier one." We pray that same will occur when you join 206 Tours pilgrimage.
Any questions? Contact Us:
Cara
Account Manager
- 1-800-206-Tour (8687)
- [email protected]
- Live chat
Additional information
Terms & ConditionsGroup Leaders
Group Leaders
About Dr. Anthony Lilles:
Professor Anthony Lilles has assisted in the formation of clergy, religious and lay leaders since 1994 in Colorado and California. After completing studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1987, he made a pilgrimage to Rome to pursue the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum). A published author, his specialty is the mystical tradition of the Church and he has recently founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture to promote this teaching. Married and having raised three children, he enjoys writing, giving retreats, and leading pilgrimages that explore the wisdom of the saints throughout Europe and the Holy Land. He is convinced that journeys undertaken out of devotion to the Lord are powerful moments of conversion and spiritual renewal.
Dear Pilgrim,
I invite you prayerfully to discern joining me in undertaking a once in a lifetime journey with a remarkable woman of faith, Sr. Magdalit of the Community of the Beatitudes. Her years of lived experience in Israel and leading pilgrimages throughout the Holy Land will avail us of unique opportunities for prayer, spiritual teaching, and fellowship. Together, we hope to lead you into a new encounter with the great mysteries of our faith and a renewal of your devotion to the Lord. Our eyes will see and our hands will touch the great marvels that live among the people and in the sacred geography on which God was born, walked, died and rose. I hope that the Lord calls you to join us.
In Christ,
Dr. Lilles
About Sr. Magdalit Bolduc:
Sister Magdalit has served as a consecrated sister of the catholic community of the beatitudes for 28 years. She is bilingual in Hebrew. Sister Magdalit lived in Israel for twelve years, and has guided pilgrimages there for over 22 years. Last April, she was appointed liaison to the Jewish community for the archdiocese of Denver, and she joyously developed a ministry talking to Catholics about the Jewish identity of the Christian faith, and talking to Jews about Catholicism. Given her extreme knowledge of the bible, Jewish tradition and the Holy land itself, she will certainly provide a deeply prayerful pilgrimage experience.
Group Leaders
About Dr. Anthony Lilles:
Professor Anthony Lilles has assisted in the formation of clergy, religious and lay leaders since 1994 in Colorado and California. After completing studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1987, he made a pilgrimage to Rome to pursue the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum). A published author, his specialty is the mystical tradition of the Church and he has recently founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture to promote this teaching. Married and having raised three children, he enjoys writing, giving retreats, and leading pilgrimages that explore the wisdom of the saints throughout Europe and the Holy Land. He is convinced that journeys undertaken out of devotion to the Lord are powerful moments of conversion and spiritual renewal.
A few words:
Dear Pilgrim,
I invite you prayerfully to discern joining me in undertaking a once in a lifetime journey with a remarkable woman of faith, Sr. Magdalit of the Community of the Beatitudes. Her years of lived experience in Israel and leading pilgrimages throughout the Holy Land will avail us of unique opportunities for prayer, spiritual teaching, and fellowship. Together, we hope to lead you into a new encounter with the great mysteries of our faith and a renewal of your devotion to the Lord. Our eyes will see and our hands will touch the great marvels that live among the people and in the sacred geography on which God was born, walked, died and rose. I hope that the Lord calls you to join us.
In Christ,
Dr. Lilles
About Sr. Magdalit Bolduc:
Sister Magdalit has served as a consecrated sister of the catholic community of the beatitudes for 28 years. She is bilingual in Hebrew. Sister Magdalit lived in Israel for twelve years, and has guided pilgrimages there for over 22 years. Last April, she was appointed liaison to the Jewish community for the archdiocese of Denver, and she joyously developed a ministry talking to Catholics about the Jewish identity of the Christian faith, and talking to Jews about Catholicism. Given her extreme knowledge of the bible, Jewish tradition and the Holy land itself, she will certainly provide a deeply prayerful pilgrimage experience.
Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York, Denver, or other departure cities
- Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- Accommodations at hotels & Religious Houses as follows: (or similar)
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Breakfast, (8) lunches and dinner daily
- Water on the bus
- Portage at hotels
- Whisper Headsets
- Guiding by Sr. Magdalit Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
(Boat ride - Nahal Arugot - Jericho - Lithostrotos - Capernaum - St. Anne's - St. Peter in Gallicantu -Magdala - Masada - Tomb of the Just Man-Davidson Center- Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Tips to hotel staff, restaurants, luggage handlers
*Renew Wedding Vows in Cana - Couples will have a special opportunity to renew their wedding vows during a ceremony led by their Spiritual Director on Day 6, (Each couple will receive a commemorative Certificate following the ceremony) Please note: It is NOT a Mass, but a ceremony.
Centrally located hotels or similar
Not included
- Wine and Beverages with lunches and dinners, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Insurance
Providing you coverage for both pre-existing conditions and those that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.
Itinerary
Day 1, Sunday, May 21 | Depart US
Departure for your overnight flights to the Holy Land.
Day 2, Monday, May 22 | Arrive Holy Land
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. We'll be met by our representative. A luxury motor coach will transfer us to the Negev, 18 miles from Beer Sheva (Gn21:25), towards Arad (Judges 1:16) our destination. We will overnight in Kfar ha Nokdim a typical and original Bedouin Style Guest Rooms in the desert. Dinner, time for settling in, late Mass. Special readings adapted to Elijah in the desert.
Day 3, Tuesday, May 23 | The Negev - Ein Gedi - Day of walk in the desert
After breakfast, the coach will leave us at the head of a trail for an hour walk. we'll take a route in a magnificent rocky landscape, perfect to reflect on God the Father's promises through his prophets and Elijah's ministry (1kg 17). Mass in the wilderness (open air). In the afternoon, the coach will drive us on the Arava side (Ez47:8-12). Drive along the Dead sea to Ein Gedi, a beautiful oasis in the region were King David hid while fleeing Saul (1Sm24:2). Time of teaching and Scripture reading. We will meditate on Elijah and his encounter with God (1Kg 19: 1-14). Finish the day in the beauty of the desert. Dinner and overnight at Ein Gedi Hotel, few miles from Jericho.
Day 4, Wednesday, May 24 | Jordan - Jericho - Nazareth
After breakfast, we will pass in front of Qumran (Jr32:14), the site where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and go towards Jericho to the Baptismal site (Jn1:29) on the Jordan River. We will renew our baptismal vows, feet in the water, or totally immersed. There will be the shift from 'the Father to the Son' in our Trinitarian journey. From the Jordan banks, drive to Jericho where Elijah ascended in a chariot of fire (2kg 2:5-15) and were Jesus healed the blind man. We will celebrate the Eucharist at Jericho's Parish. Enjoy lunch in a beautiful restaurant nearby. After lunch, see a sycamore tree like the one of Zacchaeus the tax collector (Lk19:1-10), and continue along the Jordan Valley to Mount Carmel to our lodging. Dinner and overnight in Stella Maris. In the evening, fraternal time.
Day 5, Thursday, May 25 | Mount Carmel - Stella Maris - Muhraka - Carmelites. Nazareth
In the morning we will visit the Grotto of Elijah in Stella Maris. The emplacement (ruins) where the first monk started to live modeling their lives on Elijah. From there we will go up to Muhraka were Elijah confronted the 450 Baal of Queen Jezebel (1kg 18:20-40). Mass. Time of Lectio. Lunch. Transition with Mary: she is the one who will protect the order of Carmelite. In the afternoon, head towards Nazareth. Visit the Greek Church the Fountain of St Gabriel and the Basilica of the Annunciation which is built over the remains of the House where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she was to become the Mother of God (Lk 1:26). Dinner and overnight in Nazareth. Free evening.
Day 6, Friday, May 26 | Tabor - Cana
In the morning, we will proceed to Mt. Tabor in the Jezreel Valley (Zc12:11), 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. According to Origen, St Jerome and St Cyril of Jerusalem, this is the site of the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1) where Jesus appeared in his Glory between Elijah and Moses. Also, the site in the first covenant, in the mid - 12th century BCE of the battle between Barak and Sisera, under the leadership of Deborah the Israelite Judge of that time (Jg4:5). We will ascend the Mount Tabor by foot in silence (1,886 feet). After praying and contemplating the Moso-Arab Church, a jewel of art, We will celebrate the Eucharist in this magnificent place, ponder on the person of Elijah in Judaism and his presence in the New Testament. Lunch. Descent of Mount Tabor by foot. Cana, where Christ performed his first miracle at the request of his mother is on our way to the Lake. In Cana (Jn2:1-11) we will take time to read and pray. If doable, the couples who wish too can perform the renewal of their wedding vows. After Cana, en-route for the Lake of Galilee called also the Sea of Kinnereth (Nb34:1). The next three days we will ponder on the Public life of Jesus. Dinner and overnight on the Sea shore of the Lake. Free evening.
Day 7, Saturday, May 27 | Boat ride - Capharnahum - Mount of Beatitudes - Tabgha
After breakfast, we will embark for a Boat ride to Capernaum. Capernaum is now in ruins but was once a thriving town where Peter lived and hosted Jesus (Mt 4:13). In this Synagogue Jesus gave the discourse on the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35-70). Drive to the Mount of the Beatitudes. Visit the Church that commemorates where Christ taught the Eight Beatitudes to his Disciples (Mt 5). Walk down the Mount to the altar of the Beatitude Grotto. Celebrate Mass in open air. Go to lunch. After lunch, the bus will drive us to the Primacy of Peter and after to Tabgha the site of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish (Mt14). Visit the Church and its famous mosaics. Afterward, we will have a time of adoration on the seashore (called Dalmanoutha). Back to the Hotel. Dinner. Free evening.
Day 8, Sunday, May 28 | Ascent to Jerusalem - Panorama - Bethlehem
After breakfast, we depart from Tiberias directly to Jerusalem. While ascending the mountains, we will shift from 'the Son to the Holy Spirit' in our Trinitarian journey. Make the ascent to Jerusalem while reading the Psalms of Ascent. Enter in Jerusalem and drive directly to Bethlehem. Visit the Basilica of the Nativity, built over the site of the birthplace of Jesus, born amongst the Jewish people. Visit the Cave where Christ was born and the cave of St. Jerome, who lived here for many years translating the Bible into Latin. Celebrate Mass Go to Bet Sahour for lunch. at the Shepherds field, recalling the "great throng of the heavenly hosts" that appeared to the Shepherds announcing to them of the birth of the Savior (Lk2:8). After lunch, we will have time for shopping. While driving home if time permits, stop at the panorama view of the Tayelet above the Gehenna and Kidron Valleys. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Teaching on the Holy Sepulcher in the evening.
Day 9, Monday, May 29 | Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Catholic Patriarchate - Temple Mount - Mt. of Olives - Gallicantu - Via Dolorosa
Start the day walking through the Old City, towards the Temple area, where Jesus used to preach (Jn7:15) and where many episodes from the Bible took place (Lk2:22). Visit the Temple Mount. Time of teaching with Father. The coach will pick us up at the Lion gate. We will drive to the Mount of Olives (Mt21). Visit the Dominus Flevit Church, where Christ wept over Jerusalem (Mt23:37). Onwards to Gethsemane reliving the descent of Mount of Olives of the Palm Sunday. We will view the ancient Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt26:36) and visit the Church of All Nations which houses the Rock of the Agony of Christ on Holy Thursday. In this Church is a beautiful mosaic donated by the United States. The coach will drive above the Kidron Valley and bring us to the Zion Gate for Lunch in the Armenian Quarter. After lunch, we will head towards the house of the High Priest Caiaphas (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu). This Church commemorates where Jesus was examined and eventually imprisoned before the Council in Jerusalem. It also commemorates Peter's Denial of Christ (John 18:15 - 18). We will take a time of prayer in the cistern that served as prison. Late afternoon, the bus will drive us to the Lion Gate, for the Way of the Cross. Relive the way of the Cross. We will start at the site of the Antonia Fortress where Christ was tried and condemned to death. Proceed along the Via Dolorosa praying the Stations of the Cross - ending at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the site of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of Our Lord. Return to our accommodations for dinner and then make our way to the private Garden of Gethsemane for a special Holy Hour of Adoration.
Day 10, Tuesday, May 30 | Mt. Zion - Emmaus (pm)
The day starts driving to Mount Zion. We will ask for a renewal of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room on Mt. Zion. The Upper Room is where Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30), and where they were together the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. In addition, our group will visit the nearby Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Tradition tells us that this Church is where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, "fell asleep." Drive down the mountains towards North for the celebration of the Eucharist in the Holy site of Emmaus Nicopolis where the Risen Jesus met the disciples on the road to Emmaus and was recognized through the braking of the bread (Lk 24). We will have lunch served at the Monastery of the Beatitude's Community, the Community of Sister Magdalit. After lunch, we will have a time of fraternal sharing and visit this moving site. We will end our pilgrimage with a thanksgiving Mass in the antic outdoor ruins. You will see how Jesus came and revealed Himself to you during this pilgrimage as He walked at the side of the two disciples of Emmaus. Return to Jerusalem to pack our bags and overnight.
Day 11, Wednesday, May 31 | Return home - Day of travel
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- In case your flight is cancelled 206 Tours will assist to get you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting.
- In the rare event your tour is not operating we will refund you.
- Your seats will be assigned.
- If you need to travel a few days prior, stay a few more days or make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, 206 Tours is unable to rebook your flights
- To guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior. Any changes within 45 - 3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- Any changes to your arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we may not be able to rebook your transfer, you may need to make your own arrangements.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours may not reimburse expenses caused by your trip interruption or cover your expenses due to flight changes.
Book your trip now
$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration
Dates
Select airport
Booking
Options & Upgrades
*All pricing is per person
Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request
Wheel Chair Access in the Holy Land
Here at 206 Tours, we are always fully commited to ensure that our pilgrims travel comfortably & in the highest possible manner; and that includes pilgrims with disabilities. For this reason, we created this information page with specific details to our Holy Land Tours Wheel Chair Access
Options and upgrades
*All pricing is per person
Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request
About your trip
- The Negev
- Masada
- Ein Gedi
- Jordan
- Jericho
- Nazareth
- Cana
- Tabor
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Magdala
- Ginosar
- Capharnahum
- Tabgha
- Jerusalem
- Wailing Wall
- Holy Sepulchre
- Bethlehem
- Temple Mount
- St. Anne
- Mt. of Olives
- Via Dolorosa
- Mt. Zion
- Emmaus
The Holy Land - In the Footsteps of Jesus:
Make your way through the Holy Land to experience Him, follow in His footsteps, and see Him in the works He performed - your footsteps will become His. Celebrate Mass in the very places where these miraculous gifts became pages in the Gospel. See where He was back then, and feel how He is still there today!
We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.
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