To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe. Above all, Christians go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to the places associated with the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection.

~ Pope Benedict XVI

Let your faith come alive where it all began. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, pray in the places where He taught, healed, suffered, and rose again, and open your heart to a deeper encounter with God. Join our 10-day Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr. Stephen Placente, SDB, and Fr. Ronnie Urbano, SDB, from November 25 to December 4, 2026.

Begin your pilgrimage at Muhraka, the Carmelite monastery whose name means “the Place of Burning” — a reference to the biblical account in the Book of Kings where the Prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven and triumphed the 450 prophets of Baal. From there, journey to Nazareth, the cradle of Christianity. Visit Nazareth Village, an open-air museum that vividly recreates daily life in Galilee during the time of Jesus. Marvel at the majestic Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the sacred site where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become the Mother of God.

Continue your journey with a peaceful boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, recalling the moment when Jesus walked on water and calmed the fears of His disciples. Travel onward to Capernaum, known as Jesus’ “own town,” where He lived and began His public ministry. Visit the Church of St. Peter, built above what is believed to be the house of St. Peter. Ascend to the serene Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally regarded as the site of the Sermon on the Mount—one of the most beautiful and contemplative places in the Holy Land. Then proceed to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus declared that He would build His Church and entrusted its authority to Simon, whom He renamed Peter.

Set out early for Cana, where married couples can renew their vows at the Wedding Church, recalling Christ’s first miracle. Continue to Mount Tabor, the traditional site of the Transfiguration, and visit the awe-inspiring Church of the Transfiguration, one of the Holy Land’s most beautiful churches. Journey to Tabgha to see the Church of the Primacy of Peter, home to the Mensa Christi—the rock where the Risen Lord prepared breakfast of fish and bread for His Apostles.

At the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist, pilgrims will renew their baptismal vows. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, then travel on to Jericho, known as the oldest city in the world. View the Mount of Temptation, traditionally believed to be the site where Jesus fasted and was tempted in the desert.

Journey to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Visit Shepherd’s Field, where the shepherds first saw the Star of Nativity. Touch the silver star marking Jesus’ birthplace at the Grotto of the Nativity inside the Basilica of the Nativity. Explore the Chapel of St. Jerome, and visit the Church of St. Catherine, where Holy Mass will be celebrated.

The charming village of Ein Karem is the hometown of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, and the site of the Visitation. Visitors are welcomed by one of the Church’s most beloved hymns, Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), which she prayed upon meeting Elizabeth—now beautifully displayed in 47 languages on the wall facing the church.

Next, visit Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. At the heart of the Holy Land, it is where Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again. In the Old City, take a meaningful walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows), retracing the steps of Christ’s passion. Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem’s holiest site, built over Golgotha (Calvary), where Jesus was crucified.

To conclude your pilgrimage, cross the border from Israel into Jordan and drive to the summit of Mount Nebo. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Nebo, a memorial to Moses and the traditional site of his death and burial.

Experience the Holy Land in a way that will touch your heart and deepen your faith.
Join our 10-day Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr. Stephen Placente, SDB, and Fr. Ronnie Urbano, SDB, from November 25 to December 4, 2026 and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.