Pilgrimage to Israel

The Filipino Catholic Community in the Diocese of Essen, led by Fr. Dietmar Weber and Fr. Manny Tamayo, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land last October 12 - 20. There were 47 participants, inclusive of four other Camillians: Fr. Paul Wuttke, Bro. Michael Kuchler, Fr. Rolly Fernandez and Fr. Gabby Garcia.

October 12—The pilgrims assembled in Düsseldorf airport. From there they flew to Zurich, where they boarded the onward flight to Tel Aviv.

October 13—In Tel Aviv the pilgrims were welcomed by their tour guide, Mrs. Marion Giladi. Immediately they drove by bus to the direction of Tiberias along the Sea of Genesaret. At dawn they reached the Royal Plaza Hotel where they were booked for two days. The official tour started at 10 am. The group drove first to Cana where some participating couples were blessed by Fr. Weber in the church. Next stop was Nazareth, where they visited the Annunciation Church, the St. Joseph Church and the Well of Mary. In the afternoon, they proceeded to Dabourieh and on to Mt. Tabor. They celebrated the Holy Mass at the Transfiguration Basilica with Fr. Manny Tamayo as presider.

October 14—In the morning, the group enjoyed a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The boatmen warmly welcomed the group and played the Philippine national anthem; one of them danced with the group to the tune of “Hevenu Shalom Aleikhem”. Fr. Weber led the paraliturgical celebration, and the Protestant chaplain, Sabine Mrowka, read a fitting scripture passage. Then the group visited the Primacy Church, the Church of the Beatitudes, and the Church of the Fish and Loaves in Tabgha.  Passing by the town of Mary Magdalene, they took a break and the tour guide recommended Peter’s fish (tilapia) for lunch. The drive continued to Capernaum, where the remains of Peter’s house were still visible and where, in the course of time, a synagogue has been erected. From Capernaum, the group went north to the direction of the Jordan Spring in Banias, formerly Caesaria Philippi.

October 15—Leaving Tiberias, the group headed for Jerusalem, driving along dry land. The first stop was at the Jordan River. Many visitors, particularly Americans belonging to different sects and unknown denominations, got into the water with their white robes to be re-baptized. The drive continued to Jericho, and as they entered the city, the tour guide pointed out the famous sycamore tree Zacchaeus that climbed. After lunch in Jericho, the 30 kilometer drive continued. Visiting the Mount of Olives, the group gathered first at the elevated Jewish cemetery to get an excellent panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then they visited the Ascension Church, the Our Father Church (unfortunately closed!), the Dominus Flevit Chapel, and the Church of Gethsemane where the Holy Mass was celebrated with Fr. Paul Wuttke as main celebrant. Afterwards, the group drove to the Ma’ale Hachamisha Hotel where they stayed for the remaining days. After supper, they went for an evening drive. Passing by the Jewish quarters, they noticed the orthodox Jews garbed in religious attire and quite busy since it was the Sabbath eve. Then passing by the Arab quarters, they reached the Wailing Wall.

October 16—On Fridays Muslims gather in the temple for prayers. So the group avoided the old city and the big crowd. They visited the Israel Museum to see a miniature model of Jerusalem.  Then they proceeded to where the Qumran scrolls and other antiquities are displayed; to the Yad Vashem holocaust memorial center; and to Justice Avenue where memorial trees were planted by Oscar Schindler and his wife, and other prominent figures from other countries. From there the group proceeded to Bethlehem and visited the birthplace of Jesus, the Grotto, and the St. Catherine Church, which were all under the care of the Franciscans. The group celebrated a paraliturgy at St. Jerome Grotto.

October 17—In the morning, the group went to Gallicanto, where the palace of the high priest Kaiphas could be visited. Then they proceeded to Mount Zion, where they visited the Last Supper room; to the Dormitio Abtei where they celebrated the Mass with Fr. Gabby presiding; and the grave of King David. After lunch, the group went to the Pool of Bethesda, then walked over to nearby St. Catherine Church, whose famous acoustics encouraged them to sing the “Immaculate Mother.”  Then they took a walk through the narrow and crowded Via Dolorosa lined right and left with souvenir stores. Taking a shortcut, they reached the Grave Temple.  After an official picture-taking, they patiently queued up to have a short and personal encounter with that most holy place. Afterwards, they rode back to the hotel.

October 18—The day’s itinerary began with a visit to Ein Karem. The group took the stairs leading to the Visitation Church, where Fr. Rolly presided at the Holy Mass celebrated especially to commemorate his 25th priestly ordination anniversary. After Mass, the group visited the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Israel University Hospital where they viewed the 12 Marc Chagall windows depicting the 12 tribes of Israel.  After lunch, they returned to the Via Dolorosa compound for some shopping. Sabine wanted to visit the Lutheran Church but unfortunately it was closed. Afterwards, some of the pilgrims went back to the hotel for swimming or sauna, while others visited the Elvis Presley gasoline station, not far from the hotel.

October 19—Early in the morning the group headed for the Dead Sea, driving through dry, barren, and deserted territory. The first stop was in Masada, then on to the Dead Sea, where most of the pilgrims took a dip.  Driving back to the hotel, they stopped at Abu Gosh, a city in Emmaus, and celebrated the Mass with Fr. Manny as presider.  After supper, Frs. Weber, Manny, Rolly, and Gabby took a taxi to the Grand Court Hotel to meet up with Fr. Nilo Deligero who was also on pilgrimage with Couples for Christ from Australia.

October 20—After breakfast, the pilgrims gathered in one of the rooms where Fr. Gabby blessed all the religious items bought by the pilgrims. The group also bid farewell to their tour guide, who broke into tears as she said goodbye. She still accompanied the group to Tel Aviv airport.  At 2:55 PM, the pilgrims enplaned for Zurich, where they took the flight back to Düsseldorf.