Pilgrimage Updates: Christmas in the Holy Land with Fr. Ryan Barrios

Fr. Ryan Barrios led a Christmas in the Holy Land pilgrimage last December 20, 2018.

The pilgrimage began with a Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.“The very essence of Christmas is giving. God gave His only son Jesus to the world because of His love for us.” ~ an excerpt from the homily of Fr. Ryan Barrios

Fr. Ryan and the group prayed over pilgrims, Louie and Marissa Natividad who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary after Mass, while on a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee.“We feel so blessed and very grateful for making our 25th wedding anniversary an event that we will never forget.  Thank you very much.” ~  Louie and Marissa Natividad

Fr. Ryan and our pilgrims renewed their Baptismal vows in Yardenit, Jordan River.

Happy pilgrims at the Church of the Primacy of Peter in Tabgha.

Our pilgrim-couples renewed their marriage vows at the Wedding Church in Cana“Marriage is a commitment… ” ~ an excerpt from the homily of Fr. Ryan Barrios

Fr. Ryan celebrates Mass during Christmas Eve in Bethlehem.

Fr. Ryan and our pilgrims at the Church of Nativity during Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus with fellow pilgrims from around the world.

A pilgrim touches the silverstar which marks the place was Jesus was born in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

A group photo during Christmas Eve in Bethlehem.

Fr Ryan kisses the rock where Jesus prayed in Agony at the Church of All Nations, at the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem.

Fr. Ryan and our pilgrims prayed the Stations of the Cross at the Via Dolorosa.

Having fun frolicking in the Dead Sea.