A pilgrimage to the Land of the Bible offers a profound way to understand the roots of our Christian faith. Reading Scripture is one thing. Walking the land where it unfolded is another. Imagine standing in the very places where salvation history was lived. Seeing them with your own eyes brings the Bible to life. Understanding deepens. Faith is renewed.
In Egypt, stand before the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and journey along the Nile, where the stories of Joseph, Moses, and the children of Israel come alive. In Jordan, stand on Mount Nebo with Moses and gaze upon the Promised Land. In Israel, walk the land where Jesus Himself walked. Join an unforgettable Pilgrimage to the Land of the Bible—Egypt, the Holy Land, and Jordan—with Fr. Franz Joseph Aquino, from May 21 to June 3, 2026. May you glimpse heaven in this sacred land, filled with God’s presence, where our forefathers once lived.
Begin your pilgrimage in Cairo, Egypt, the cradle of civilization. Walk the paths once traveled by Mary and Joseph. Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, famously known as the Hanging Church. Then see the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, built in the fourth century above the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed.
Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Step back in time at the Egypt Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun and other legendary pharaohs. End the day with a relaxing evening cruise on the Nile River, a perfect way to soak in the magic of Egypt.
From Cairo, travel to the Sinai Peninsula. Stop at the foot of Mount Sinai, also known as the Mountain of Moses, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
Cross the Taba border into Israel and travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Float effortlessly in the salty water and cover yourself with mineral-rich mud, known for its skin-healing properties. Continue to Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities. See the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days before beginning His public ministry.
From Jericho, journey to Qasr El-Yahud on the banks of the Jordan River, the sacred place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Here, you may renew your baptismal vows and experience the grace of this holy moment.
Continue to Nazareth, where Jesus spent His childhood. Stand in awe at the Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the very site where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become the Mother of God. Visit the nearby St. Joseph’s Church, the humble site of his workshop, and imagine the daily life of the Holy Family. Then ascend Mount Tabor, the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration, and visit the Church of the Transfiguration, one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land.
Spend the day in the Galilee region, where Jesus lived and taught. Begin in Capernaum, the heart of His ministry and the home of His first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the setting of the Sermon on the Mount, and reflect on His words of love, mercy, and faith. Visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha, where Jesus fed the 5,000. Then go to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, also known as Mensa Christi, where Jesus renewed Peter’s mission to shepherd His Church. End the day with a peaceful boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.
Next, visit Cana, where married pilgrims may renew their marriage vows at the Church of the First Miracle. Continue to Bethlehem, the holy city where Jesus was born. Pause to touch the silver star marking the exact place of His birth.
Proceed to Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Here, in the heart of the Holy Land, Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead. Walk the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, tracing the path of His suffering and reflecting on His sacrifice. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on Golgotha, also known as Calvary, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.
Leave Israel for Jordan and visit Mount Nebo, where Moses was granted a final view of the Promised Land. See the Sanctuary of Moses, a memorial marking his death and burial.
End your pilgrimage in the ancient city of Petra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is carved directly into vibrant red, pink, white, and sandstone cliffs. Walking through its majestic pathways, you will feel the awe of one of the world’s most stunning archaeological treasures.
Walk where the Bible came alive and let your spirit be renewed. Join this 14-day Spiritual and Historical Pilgrimage to the Land of the Bible—Egypt, the Holy Land, and Jordan—with Fr. Franz Joseph Aquino, from May 21 to June 3, 2026. May this pilgrimage deepen your faith and fill your heart with God’s presence.
