Pilgrimage-Day Two—Banias

Banias is not only the site of one of the sources for the Jordan River, it is also the place where the forest god Pan was wore shipped,  The caves were sites of sacrifice and and the spot was a nature preserve, But theses days the people of the area are praying madly for rain because so much of the vegetation is dead or dying.                                   

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Pilgrimage Day Two: Part Two

Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee

 

 

Caparnaum—-Jesus’ hometown

  

Discovered remains of Peter’s house.  Jesus hung out there!

So they built a new church on top of it and provided a window in the floor to view the original remains.

Cathedral Pilgrimage Day Two

Heading down to the Sea of Galilee for a ride with fishing, dancing, and reflection

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St. James Pilgrimage 2023–Day 1, continued

On Top of Mount Tabor—focusing on Transfiguration

 

In the Gospel story, Jesus takes his disciples up to the top of Mount Tabor, and is transfigured, 

They hear God speaking through the clouds, they see their friend with Moses and Elijah on either side, so  they want  to build three tents —or tabernacles—one for Jesus, one for Moses, one for Elijah.  He told 

Them to get going home. They do.  And build a community who listen to Jesus and do his work.

So thousands of years later, on Mount Tabor, a church is built with three altars/tabernacles—for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Is it time to go back home, listen, and build a living tabernacle who listen better?

Kelli in front of the main altar

Peacocks on the bottom altar are a sign of eternal life

St. James Holy Land Pilgrimage 2023

 

Day One:  Nazareth— Churches of the Annunciation and St. Joseph

Church of the Annunciation 

The Grotto of the Annunciation

One of the 100 images of Mary—-this one is from China. . .

One from France!

                                                                                              Climbing to the Church of  St. Joseph

Hugest  pomegranates ever!

Visiting some of the discoveries of previous churches underneath the existing building—in this case, an ancient baptistry.

Our first Mass together

Return to the Holy Land—-St James Pilgrimage 2023

We Begin

After a sleepless night at a Sea-Tac airport and a few saves by some guardian angels, we took off for our first stop: Chicago

Following several hours of layover, lunch, more saves from Guardian Angels, and de-icing, we headed to Frankfurt.

After 9 hours of sleepless flight we land in Frankfurt, to walk 6000 steps in a fun house maze to catch our flight to Tel Aviv, again saved and guarded by many angels.

Twenty six hours after leaving Seattle, we finally arrive in Tel Aviv

And so does our luggage!

 

Dia de los Muertos

Tonight we set up our Day of the Dead Altar. We have lost so many people over the years, we need to use a bigger space next year. In fact, we won’t be lighting candles this year.  There is just too much paper.

May they Rest In Peace! 

And yes, the departed felines are part of the altar!