Fr. Dante Venus, SVD
December 20, 2021
Holy Land
“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” ~ Luke 2: 13-16
Like the shepherds that hurried off to find Him on whom God’s favor rests, celebrate this Christmas in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Join a Christmas in the Holy Land pilgrimage with Fr. Dante Venus, SVD, leaving on December 20, 2021.
Upon arrival, head for Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Marvel at the remains of an ancient fishing village recently unearthed which includes a synagogue where Jesus may have taught. Celebrate Mass in one of the chapels of Duc in Altum, a spiritual center inspired by Luke 5:4 where Jesus instructs Simon Peter to “put out into deep water.”
Head for Capernaum, the town of Jesus and the hometown of his first apostles — Peter, James, Andrew, John and Matthew. Visit the Church of St. Peter which was built over the ruins of the house of St. Peter. Next stop is Nazareth, the place where Jesus spent His childhood. Visit the awe inspiring Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the site of the house of Mary and Joseph, where the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she will soon become the Mother of God. Leave for Mount Tabor, to visit the Church of the Transfiguration, one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land.
At the Jordan River, pilgrims will have the chance to renew their baptismal vows, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. In Cana, married-couple pilgrims will renew their marriage vows at the Wedding Church. See the awesome panoramic view from the top of the hill where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount on the Mount of Beatitudes. Proceed to Tabgha to visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Jesus prepared a meal for His disciples on the Mensa Christi. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed miracles and miraculously walked on water.
Head to Bethlehem where you will stay for two nights. Attend the Midnight Christmas Mass at the Manger Square, where Mary gave birth and lovingly cradled the baby Jesus in her arms. Spend a full day in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Visit the Shepherd’s Field, where shepherds used to keep watch over the flock. Here, the Gospel of Luke tells us, an angel announced the birth of Jesus.
Next stop is Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. This heart of the Holy Land, is the place where Jesus was crucified and rose again. Take a meaningful walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) where, you will recall the passion and death of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Jerusalem’s holiest site and is said to have been built on Golgotha or Calvary, the site where Jesus was crucified.
Cap off your pilgrimage in Emmaus, the place where Jesus revealed himself to two of His disciples after His resurrection.
Participate in a melange of festivities and celebrate Christmas with the international community. Join a Christmas in the Holy Land pilgrimage with Fr. Dante Venus, SVD, leaving on December 20, 2021. May this Christmas become more meaningful as it is spent with Jesus in the land of his birth.
No visa is required to go to the Holy Land for Philippine passport holders.
1) US$ 500.00 non-refundable 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.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airline taxes, 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, tips for drivers, guides, tour escorts, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.
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.
*** RATES AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***