Advent Pilgrimage

Travel to Jordan, Israel and Palestine Read more

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Trip start
December 2, 2022
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Day 2
Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10:48 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 7 m
United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport 25.244339, 55.37073225°14’40” N 55°22’15” E
The Flight Over
December 3, 2022 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
After our 14hr flight from Brisbane to Dubai, Miki and I navigated our way to the lounge. With an 8hr layover we have caught up on sleep, had some food and even a shower! In 3hrs we will leave the lounge and make our way to gate C13 for our final 2hr flight to Amman.Read more
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Day 3
Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 950 m
Jordan Kanīsat al ‘Adhrā’ an Nāşirīyah 31.951443, 35.87078931°57’5” N 35°52’15” E
Church of Saint Mary of Nazareth
December 4, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Today we started the day by attending local Mass service at the Church of Saint Mary of Nazareth. The Mass was in Arabic except for a few parts by Bishop Michael and Father Ashwyn. I also volunteered to read the second reading - what an experience! The church was decorated for Christmas and even had a Mary shrine down some stairs.Read more
TravelerBucket list moment! 😍
12/5/22Reply
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Day 3
Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 815 m
Jordan Wādī Şafrā’31.954203, 35.93651631°57’15” N 35°56’11” E
Amman Citadel
December 4, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
I had no idea what to expect at the Citadel, and man was I surprised! This incredible site has artefacts from many different ages. To see parts of churches and mosques on the same land was interesting. As the Citadel is on the top of a hill, it also lends to great views of Jordan from all sides. While we were at the summit we also heard the Muslim call to prayer.Read more
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Day 3
Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2:30 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 675 m
Jordan Şiyāghah 31.767307, 35.72661631°46’2” N 35°43’36” E
Mt Nebo
December 4, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
What a view from Mt Nebo! While at the top of Bishop Michael read a passage which detailed what Moses saw while he stood at the summit. It was a very spiritual experience to stand there and look over the vista that Moses would have seen - including the Dead Sea and Jericho. We then went into the church to look at the stunning mosaics that have been preserved.Read more
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Day 4
Monday, December 5, 2022 at 8:36 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 920 m
Jordan Khirbat Mār Ilyās 32.36245, 35.72263732°21’45” N 35°43’21” E
Tal Mar Elias
December 5, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
This morning we started our day by travelling to see the birthplace of Elijah. Although there isn’t much at the top, we were treated to a wonderful view and beautiful mosaics. There was also an acorn tree, I’d never seen one before!Read more
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Day 4
Monday, December 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 885 m
Jordan Kanīsat Sayyidat as Salām 32.30621, 35.75001132°18’22” N 35°45’0” E
Our Lady of the Mount Church
December 5, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Our Lady of the Mount Church was the second stop today. Bishop Michael said Mass in the adjacent Shrine. This Shrine is the site of a miracle. On the 6th of May 2010 while cleaning the outside of the cabinet, a sister saw Mary’s statue blink red tears. The liquid was taken away for processing and it was discovered to be human blood. This is now a confirmed miracle.

Mass was beautiful and before we left the parish gave us peppermint tea!Read more
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Day 4
Monday, December 5, 2022 at 1:27 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 559 m
Jordan Qaws an Naşr 32.272186, 35.89117832°16’20” N 35°53’28” E
Jerash
December 5, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
This afternoon we explored the ancient Roman city of Jarakesh. Although there is a newer city, this part is protected and cannot be built on. We saw the massive gates and hippodrome. After watching a bagpipe performance we had some free time to explore the archeological site. Miki climbed to the top of the amphitheater with Mary and I stayed at the bottom - my legs would have become jelly.

After that, we climbed to the Zeus temple and a local took some epic pictures for us (for a tip of course!). There are still parts of the sight that are being restored while some are still being uncovered.Read more
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Day 5
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Jordan Al Maghţas 31.832205, 35.54672631°49’56” N 35°32’48” E
Baptism Site
December 6, 2022 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
This morning we started our day by having Mass at the side of the Jordan River. The Jordan River is the boarder between Jordan and Israel / The West Bank. During the Mass we renewed our Baptismal promise as well.

Following the Mass we walked to the sight they believe is where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. It was amazing to hear our guide (Fadi) recall accounts of the early pilgrims and how they matched with the now unearthed Church.

We followed the path all the way up to the current area where baptisms take place. There were American soldiers getting baptised and we could see people on the Israel side getting baptised as well.Read more
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Day 6
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 8:21 AM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 357 m
Israel Nazareth 32.702148, 35.29742832°42’8” N 35°17’51” E
Basilica of Annunciation & St Josephs
December 7, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Our first full day in Nazareth was full of adventure. We started by walking to the Basilica of Annunciation to celebrate Mass. The Church had incredible stained glass windows and even Mary’s house.

Following Mass we walked to the Church of St Joseph. Under the Church is an ancient baptismal font and grotto. These would have been above ground at the time, but as with a lot of the sites, buildings have been built on top of other buildings.Read more
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Day 6
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 347 m
Israel ‘En Maqqav 32.700478, 35.29039432°42’2” N 35°17’25” E
Nazareth Village
December 7, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Before lunch we headed to the incredible Nazareth Village. This is a full, working, first century village complete with donkey, sheep, olive oil press. We actually use videos of this place in the Year 2 curriculum so it was incredible to see the place in the flesh. While on the village tour we saw the olive oil farmers, shepards, potters, weavers and even a reconstructed Synagogue. At noon we shared a traditional first century lunch!Read more
TravelerFrozen in time! This would’ve been so cool to see!
12/11/22Reply
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Day 6
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 1:57 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 144 m
Israel Megiddo 32.58585, 35.18421232°35’9” N 35°11’3” E
Megiddo
December 7, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
The sight of the apocalypse - what an incredible view. Megiddo is a hill that at least 30 different groups or civilisations have built on. From the top you can see to the east and west of the country.

Megiddo was so important because it was atop the very important trade route - if you control Megiddo, you are rich. But as always, with the money, comes enemies. Many battles took place in the valley and on Megiddo.

The water source from Megiddo is outside the city walls, so they built a tunnel down and then a channel out to the spring. This ensures that if there was conflict, the people inside the city walls could access water. 183 steps down, 80 back out again!Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 8:24 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 233 m
Israel Kafr Kannā 32.747101, 35.33840632°44’50” N 35°20’18” E
Cana
December 8, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Here in Cana, at the request of his mother, Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast! Today at the Church, Kate & Neil and Helen & Robin renewed their wedding vows to each other!
TravelerAww that’s so sweet! 😍
12/11/22Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 9:58 AM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 560 m
Israel Mount Tabor 32.686375, 35.3921732°41’11” N 35°23’32” E
Mount Tabor
December 8, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
We travelled by shuttle taxi up the winding road to the summit of Mt Tabor. This church is the sight of the Transfiguration. Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain, where Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus transfigured into sparkling clothes. This was to prove to the people that Jesus was the connection between humans and God. It also showed that they didn’t need the prophets any more, and that Jesus was the son of God.Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 12:40 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Kefar Naẖum 32.880638, 35.57441732°52’50” N 35°34’28” E
Capernaum
December 8, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
In Capernaum we visited two places of note. The home to Peter the Apostle and Magdala.

At the home to Peter the Apostle we viewed an original Synagogue that was on a base of first century rock. This was the actual place where Jesus taught - how incredible!

We celebrated Mass with Fr Ashwin in Magdala. It is a stunning area with figures of Jesus and Mary as well as many artworks made of mosaic.Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 1:40 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Naẖal Kur 32.873581, 35.54900732°52’25” N 35°32’56” E
Tabgha
December 8, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Jesus feeds the 5000 - what an incredible story. Here in Tabgha they have uncovered an original mosaic depicting the fish and loaves. The church has beautiful thin basalt windows that mimic marble.
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Day 8
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 6:49 AM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 350 m
Syria Ein Kinya 33.248581, 35.69451133°14’55” N 35°41’40” E
Temple of Pan
December 9, 2022 in Syria ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Also referred to as the Gates of Hell this incredible place boasted not just beautiful carvings but also stunning springs. Here we heard stories of Jesus asking his disciples “who do you say that I am?”.Read more
TravelerThis looks so pretty!
12/11/22Reply
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Day 8
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 9:40 AM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 172 m
Israel Dan 33.245237, 35.64782833°14’43” N 35°38’52” E
Tel Dan Nature Reserve
December 9, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
A 15 minute walk here with the sound of tranquil running water. At the end of the trail we saw the ruins of the City of Dan.
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Day 8
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 12:06 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Naẖal Ẕalmon 32.843231, 35.52827532°50’36” N 35°31’42” E
Sea of Galilee
December 9, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Today we celebrated Mass in the middle of The Sea of Galilee. I read the first reading during Mass from the book of Isaiah. The boat ride was smooth and it was incredible to just sit and pray in the middle of the Sea. Our fearless leaders Colleen and Rami at the front!Read more
TravelerAnother pinch me moment! 😱
12/11/22Reply
Now that’s an experience ❤️ [Jenna]
12/11/22Reply
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Day 8
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 2:41 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Minzar HaBe’atitudim 32.880909, 35.55609932°52’51” N 35°33’22” E
Mount of Beatitudes
December 9, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
The New Testament’s answer to the 10 Commandments, The Beatitudes. This church was designed by the same man who designed the Transfiguration Church from a couple of days ago! What a beautiful place.
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Day 8
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 3:33 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Naẖal Kur 32.871719, 35.55052632°52’18” N 35°33’2” E
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Sea of Galilee Adventure
December 9, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
After a busy day of exploring, Sr Bernice, Miki and I decided we wanted to take a dip in Lake Galilee! I will admit, I did think I would get all in, but it was FREEZING! Claire and Pat joined us as ‘lifeguards’. We all got in to our knees and decided that was far enough! Brrrr!Read more
Hope you are enjoying the trip Berneice. Love Denise👏👏🙏🙏 [Denise Hinton]
12/10/22Reply
Looking great Anja. Enjoy👏👏🙏🙏 [Denise Hinton]
12/10/22Reply
TravelerThank you! It’s been an excellent adventure!
12/10/22Reply
TravelerSo glad you got in! 😍
12/11/22Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 8:51 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Israel Gan Le’ummi Bet She’an 32.501213, 35.50096932°30’4” N 35°30’3” E
Beit She’an
December 10, 2022 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Beit She’an is an old Roman city. We explored the ancient bath houses, amphitheater and even the “modern” toilets! It never ceases to amaze me - the engineering and details that these ancient civilisations achieved.Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1:52 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 666 m
Palestine Ash Shayyāḩ 31.771643, 35.2563931°46’18” N 35°15’23” E
Jericho and beyond
December 10, 2022 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
On our way to Bethlehem we stopped at the fountain of Jericho. We also stopped at the Church of Saint Lazarus where we heard the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead.
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Day 10
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 8:16 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 624 m
Palestine Kanīsat Ḩaql ar Ru‘āh al Kāthūlīkīyah 31.707157, 35.22949631°42’26” N 35°13’46” E
Shepard’s Field
December 11, 2022 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
This is the site where the Shepards were visited by an Angel when Jesus was born! At this beautiful church we celebrated our daily Mass. From here you can see the Church of the Nativity as well. We had the Mass in a small cave/grotto that would have traditionally been a house.Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 10:06 AM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 714 m
Palestine Tall Furaydīs 31.665079, 35.24078831°39’54” N 35°14’27” E
Herrodium
December 11, 2022 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
This MAN MADE mountain is nothing short of stunning! Herod had his palace set on top of the mountain with an amphitheater half way up. We climbed 200+ steps to the top, though I’m sure Herod was carried! The view from the top was stunning and a wonderful place to catch your breath! To get to the bottom we climbed through water cistern tunnels.Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 1:36 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 755 m
Palestine Khallat Ḩamāmah 31.718838, 35.20238131°43’8” N 35°12’9” E
The Seperation Wall
December 11, 2022 in Palestine ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Did you know that there is a Separation Wall running around the whole of Bethlehem? I certainly didn’t!

Bethlehem is classified as a city that’s land belongs to Palestine, but civil services are run by Israel. Unfortunately a lot of these services either don’t run or aren’t prioritised. The Separation Wall was built during the Second Intifada, a period of heightened conflict between Israel and Palestine that occurred between 2000 and 2005. Construction began on the wall in 2002, cited as a security measure to prevent suicide bombers from entering Israel from the West Bank.

When entering or leaving the city, the Wall almost looks like a scar, it is heartbreaking to see. We have had lots of conversations about it today, maybe it will become our (or a future generations) Berlin Wall. Only time will tell.Read more
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