Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J.
May 20, 2019
Holy Land
This Pilgrimage is already fully booked. You’re invited to check our other upcoming Pilgrimages.
A pilgrimage is a meaningful journey to a sacred place. It can be a life-changing, transformational experience for those who keep their hearts open to what God tells them. Walk in the Land where Jesus Walked. Join a special Travelling Retreat to the Holy Land with Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J. leaving on May 20, 2019. Let this pilgrimage bring about a greater sense of life’s purpose. May it help illuminate life’s journey by helping you focus on what really matters — a closer relationship with God.
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. Beside the Basilica is the Church of St. Joseph, the carpentry shop of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Next stop is Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Capernaum was the center of Jesus’ activities in Galilee. There, He taught in the local synagogue. Capernaum is also the hometown of the apostles, Peter, James, Andrew, John and the tax collector Matthew.
At the Mount of Beatitudes, reflect on Jesus’ message that provides peace in the midst of trials and tribulations encountered in life. 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 also have the chance to renew their baptismal vows at the River Jordan and married couples-pilgrims will renew their marriage vows at the Church of First Miracle in Cana. Relive these momentous experiences in a very special way.
Journey on to the holy town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Say a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus for choosing to come down to heaven to redeem us from our sins, as you touch the silver star which marks the exact place where He was born.
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, pilgrims 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, a town where Jesus appeared after his death and resurrection, before two of his disciples while they were walking on the road to Emmaus. Celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass at the Monastere de la Resurrection in Abu Gosh, one of the most beautiful buildings preserved from the Crusader Period.
Take a pause from the busyness of your daily routine. Join a Travelling Retreat to the Holy Land with Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J. leaving on May 20, 2019. While on pilgrimage, may you encounter God through the places, people and situations a pilgrim meets.
To enter the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, one must bow down and bend. The small, narrow doorway is called the Door of Humility.
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.
Bond with new found friends during the pilgrimage.
Sing Christmas carols on your visit to Nazareth to celebrate the feast of the birth of Jesus.
1) US$ 500.00 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:
> 60 days before departure date – US$ 300.00
> 35 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Philippine Travel Tax PHP1,620.00, airport 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 (30 kgs.), 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.
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.
*** RATES AND SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***