Pilgrimage Overview:

  • Pilgrimage Chaplain:

    Fr. Benjie Redoble RCJ

  • Departure Date:

    October 16, 2017

  • Countries:

    Holy Land

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip economy airfare via Turkish Airlines
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • Hotel accommodation on twin sharing
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D – Dinner)
  • Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
  • Tours with entrances as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of a local tour guide in Israel
  • Services of a Filipino Tour Leader and Pilgrimage Chaplain all throughout the tour
  • Porterage of one (1) piece of luggage at hotels

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This Pilgrimage is already fully booked/completed. You’re invited to check our other upcoming Pilgrimages.

Deepen your Christian faith with a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Connect with the scriptures in a new way as you walk in the footsteps of our Lord and His early disciples. Visit the places where Jesus lived, died and rose again. Join a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Benjie Redoble RCJ leaving on October 16, 2017.

Begin your pilgrimage in Nazareth, where Jesus spent His childhood. Marvel at the grandiose Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the site where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she will become the Mother of God.
Next stop is Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Capernaum was the center of Jesus activities in Galilee, where He taught in the local synagogue. Celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Peter built over the ruins of the house of St. Peter.  Contemplate on the magnificent view of the Jezreel valley from Mount Tabor. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land. Not to be missed is a an enjoyable boat ride crossing the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed numerous miracles.

While on pilgrimage, you will have the chance to renew your baptismal vows at the River Jordan and pilgrim- married couples will renew their marriage vows at the Church of First Miracle in Cana. Reflect on the message of the Sermon on the Mount on your visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, one of the most beautifully serene places in the Holy Land. Head for Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Touch the silver star which marks the exact place where Jesus was born in the Grotto of the Nativity.

Next stop is Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. The heart of the Holy Land, this is the place where Jesus was crucified and rose again. Take a meaningful walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) where, you will retrace the passion and death of Jesus. Proceed to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem’s holiest site, said to have been built on Golgotha or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.

Embark on a unforgettable spiritual journey. Join an affordable Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Benjie Redoble RCJ leaving on October 16, 2017.  Let this Holy Land experience deepen your spiritual life and bring you closer to Jesus.

Pilgrimage Highlights

Located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee (or Lake Kinneret), Tiberias is Israel’s lowest city at 200 meters below sea level. It was named in honor of...

Tiberias

Located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee (or Lake Kinneret), Tiberias is Israel’s lowest city at 200 meters below sea level. It was named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

Tiberius is one of the four Jewish Holy cities, and the capital of the Galilee. It has a long history since it was established in the early Roman period. It was the Jewish people’s political and religious hub as well as the center of Jewish spiritual creativity. Tiberius has historically been known for its hot springs, believed to cure skin and other ailments, for thousands of years.

Mount Tabor rises 575 meters above sea level on the eastern edge of the Jezreel Valley. Also known as the Mount of Transfiguration, it is the traditional site of the...

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor rises 575 meters above sea level on the eastern edge of the Jezreel Valley. Also known as the Mount of Transfiguration, it is the traditional site of the Transfiguration described in the Synoptic Gospels, when Jesus became radiant, spoke with Moses and Elijah, and was called “Son” by God  (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-8, Luke 9:28-36.).  Two churches on top of the mountain commemorate the Transfiguration– an impressive Franciscan church built on the ruins of Byzantine and Crusaders churches, and a modest Greek Orthodox church named for the prophet Elijah.

Capernaum is an ancient fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. It is home to a celebrated Byzantine-era synagogue as well as the house...

Capernaum

Capernaum is an ancient fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. It is home to a celebrated Byzantine-era synagogue as well as the house where Jesus healed a paralytic and St. Peter’s mother-in-law.

Capernaum is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and was Jesus’ main base during his Galilean ministry. It is referred to as Jesus’ “own city” (Mt 9:1; Mk 2:1) and a place where he lived (Mt 1:13). He probably chose it simply because it was the home of his first converts, Peter and Andrew (Mk 1:21, 29).

The Sea of Galilee lies roughly 650 feet below sea level and is 14 miles long and 7 1/2 miles wide at its widest point. The Sea is the major...

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee lies roughly 650 feet below sea level and is 14 miles long and 7 1/2 miles wide at its widest point. The Sea is the major source of fresh water for the entire country. The Sea, really a lake, lies on the ancient “Via Maris,” a route that linked Egypt and Mesopotamia.

It was by the Sea of Galilee that Jesus chose his first disciples – Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, and it was here that he performed many miracles.  It was in the hills surrounding the Lake that Jesus fed the five thousand from the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and it was on this Lake that he stilled the storm and walked on the water to his disciples.

Cana is the traditional site of the wedding feast where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). It is also mentioned later in John as...

Cana

Cana is the traditional site of the wedding feast where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). It is also mentioned later in John as a place where Jesus heals a royal official’s son (John 4:46) and the hometown of disciple Nathaneal (also called Bartholomew) (John 21:2).

The Franciscan Wedding Church was built in 1879 on the traditional site of the wedding feast where ancient stone jars were discovered. It is possible for couples to renew their wedding vows here, with a certificate available in a variety of languages.

Located on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes is the traditional site of Jesus’ delivery of the Sermon on the Mount, probably...

Mount of Beatitudes

Located on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes is the traditional site of Jesus’ delivery of the Sermon on the Mount, probably the most famous sermon of all time. Pilgrims have been drawn to this scenic place since at least the 4th century.

In the region of Tabgha, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, lies the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, the traditional site of the food...

Tabgha

In the region of Tabgha, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, lies the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, the traditional site of the food multiplication story found in all four gospels  (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:5-15)  It is also where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection (John 21:1-17).

Besides its sacred importance as the place of a miracle of Jesus, the main highlight of the Church of the Loaves and Fishes is the beautiful 5th-century figurative mosaic floor. It is the earliest known example of a figured pavement in Palestinian Christian art.

The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, north of the Church of the Multiplication, was built on the rocks at the shore of the Sea of Galilee, traditionally considered to be the place where Jesus appeared the fourth time after his resurrection (John 21:1-24), during which Jesus again conferred primacy to Simon Peter.

The Jordan River, in which John the Baptist baptized his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, is a river which flows into the Dead Sea. It is considered to be one of...

Jordan River

The Jordan River, in which John the Baptist baptized his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, is a river which flows into the Dead Sea. It is considered to be one of the world’s most sacred rivers.

It originates approximately 200 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Hermon, Israel. It ends its course at the lowest spot in the world, the Dead Sea, at 420 meters below sea level.

John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah when he baptized them in the waters of the Jordan River (Matt 3:5 ff; Mk 1:5 ff).  Jesus Himself was also baptized by John in the Jordan River near Bethany (John 1:28-33).

The city of Bethlehem, located about six miles, southwest of Jerusalem, is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Meaning “house of bread,” Bethlehem was also the renowned City of David. It...

Bethlehem

The city of Bethlehem, located about six miles, southwest of Jerusalem, is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Meaning “house of bread,” Bethlehem was also the renowned City of David. It was there in young David’s hometown that the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16: 1-13)

And in Micah 5, the prophet foretold that Messiah would come from the small and seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is home to one of the most sacred Christian sites in the world. Built by Constantine the Great (circa 330 AD), the Church of the Nativity still stands over a cave believed to be the very spot where Jesus was born.  The place of the manger is marked by a 14-pointed silver star, called the Star of Bethlehem.

Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel, its seat of government, and the holiest city in Judaism. It is also Israel’s largest, most populated, and most religiously diverse...

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel, its seat of government, and the holiest city in Judaism.
It is also Israel’s largest, most populated, and most religiously diverse city.

In Jerusalem’s heart is the Old City, which is surrounded by a wall and divided into four quarters – Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Inside the walls are the important holy sites of the three major  religions: the Western Wall, which is holy to the Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.

Jerusalem is also very important to Christianity, as Jesus Christ lived and died here. One of the most prominent and important sites in the Christian quarter is the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Sorrows,” Jesus’ final path, where he was crucified and buried.

In a peaceful valley between mountains and hills, surrounded by the beauty of natural groves, nestles one of Jerusalem’s most picturesque neighborhoods – Ein Kerem. According to Christian tradition, Ein...

Ein Kerem

In a peaceful valley between mountains and hills, surrounded by the beauty of natural groves, nestles one of Jerusalem’s most picturesque neighborhoods – Ein Kerem.
According to Christian tradition, Ein Karem  is where Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, miraculously became pregnant. This is also where he was born. Tradition teaches that during her pregnancy, Elizabeth was visited by a family relative – Mary, who was also pregnant, with Jesus. The two women met beside the village well and Mary drank from its cool waters. That place is now called Mary’s Well.

 

Said to be built over the home of John the Baptist’s parents, the Church of the Visitation stands high up on the hillside of Ein Kerem in Jerusalem.  In the church courtyard, one wall is covered with ceramic tiles bearing the words of the Magnificat in 42 languages.

Jericho is believed to be one of, if not the oldest cities in the world. According to Jewish tradition, after the Israelites’ 40-year sojourn in the desert, Joshua decides the...

Jericho

Jericho is believed to be one of, if not the oldest cities in the world.

According to Jewish tradition, after the Israelites’ 40-year sojourn in the desert, Joshua decides the first city in Canaan he will conquer is Jericho. God tells him that he will be victorious and instructs Joshua to have his troops march around the walls of the city once a day for six days. This is precisely what happens according to the Bible (Joshua 6)

Besides being old, Jericho is also one of the lowest cities in the world, about 800 feet (244 m) below sea level.

Qumran is an archaeological site in the West Bank. It is located on a dry plateau about a mile inland from the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, near the...

Qumran

Qumran is an archaeological site in the West Bank. It is located on a dry plateau about a mile inland from the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, near the Israeli settlement and kibbutz of Kalia.

Found in Qumran are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which is a collection of 972 texts discovered between 1946 and 1956 that consists of biblical manuscripts from what is now known as the Hebrew Bible and extra- biblical documents found on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, from which they derive their name. They were located specifically at Khirbet Qumran in what was then British Mandate Palestine, and since 1947, what has been known as the West Bank.  The texts are of great historical, religious and linguistic significance and include the earliest known surviving copies of biblical and extra-biblical documents.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth in any land mass (417 meters below sea level, to be exact). The quantity of water that evaporates from it is...

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth in any land mass (417 meters below sea level, to be exact). The quantity of water that evaporates from it is greater than that which flows into it, such that this body of water has the highest concentration of salt in the world (340 grams per liter of water).

 

It is called the Dead Sea because its salinity prevents the existence of any life forms in the lake. That same salt, on the other hand, provides tremendous relief to the many ailing visitors who come here on a regular basis to benefit from its healing properties. All these and more make the Dead Sea so fascinating, so different and so interesting.

The village of Emmaus was the setting for one of the most touching of Christ’s post- Resurrection appearances. The Emmaus story is well-known: Two disciples downcast by the death of...

Emmaus

The village of Emmaus was the setting for one of the most touching of Christ’s post- Resurrection appearances.

The Emmaus story is well-known: Two disciples downcast by the death of Jesus, and confused by reports that his body is missing, are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They encounter a stranger who listens to their concerns, then gives them a Scripture lesson that makes their “hearts burn within them”.

Finally, as they share the evening meal, he breaks bread and they recognized him. By then the risen Christ has disappeared from their sight, and they immediately hurry back to Jerusalem (Luke 24:13-35).

Things We Love

  • Inspiring homilies and nuggets of wisdom from Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD.
  • Carry a cross and recall Jesus’ profound love for mankind (including you) at the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross.
  • Knowledgeable tour guides that discuss the historical significance of every place visited.
  • Enriched in mind (historical and cultural appreciation), soul (spiritual gains) and body (sumptuous food eaten everyday) while on pilgrimage.
  • The unique altar in the shape of a boat in commemoration of Jesus’ preaching from Simon’s boat at the Church of Magdala.

Things To Do

  • BURN

    Burn prayer petitions from you and your loved ones the Garden of Gethsemane.

  • SHOP

    Shop for souvenirs in Bethlehem where you will find authentic olive wood rosaries, statues and icons and have them blessed during the pilgrimage.

  • WAY OF THE CROSS

    Feel sorrow for your sins at the Chapel of the Flagellation (2nd station) along the Via Dolorosa. The Church was built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been flogged.

  • MARVEL

    Marvel at the beautiful mosaics that decorate several churches in the Holy Land. Many churches in the Holy Land are adorned with century old mosaics which was the artistic expressions in the 4th century onwards, when these churches were originally built.

  • SEARCH

    Look for the Filipino translations of the “Our Father” at the Pater Noster church in Tagalog, Pampango, Cebuano and Ilonggo.

Why are our Pilgrimages different?

Spiritually-focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accommodations
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly

Testimonials

The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.

Brenda

Hello Co-Pilgrims,

It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.

Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.

The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).

Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships;  Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service;  Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.

Ms. Emma

Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.

To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.

To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!

To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.

God bless us all always!

Albert and Adee

Dear Pilgrims' Center:

My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.

It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.

Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora

Leclec Cabusora

My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.

Ann Arguelles Cortes

Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.

Emily Bautista

It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!

Carmen Nierra

Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.

I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.

All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.

Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .

Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.

Cora and Vir Franca

I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.

Peter Joseph Mapua

The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...

Marlene Silvestre

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Frequently Asked Questions

Simply press the I'm Interested button in any pilgrimage page and complete the form to receive the complete details including price, itinerary and inclusions in your email. You may also contact us at support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581.
Yes! We can arrange private and customized pilgrimages for groups of 10 or more. Please contact us on support@pilgrimage.ph or 5238581 so we can begin arranging your private pilgrimage. We can provide free trips to organizers of groups of 20 or more.
Yes! We have many pilgrims joining from outside the Philippines. We can provide you the cost for only the land arrangement portion of the pilgrimage and advise you on which flights to take from your country. Please contact us and advise your place of origin and we will provide you with the rate without airfare.

Booking Conditions

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1) US$ 300.00 deposit is required upon reservations together with a recent passport-size photo, photocopy of passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure) and Pilgrim’s Profile.

2) Full payment in U.S. dollars is required before ticketing but in no case shall it be later than one month before departure date.

3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 300.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 15 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.

Terms and Conditions

CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks, and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.

THE PILGRIMS’ CENTER – EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its subagents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure.” All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.

Any questions or concerns?