Finding the holy in Holy Land

The surroundings were quiet, almost still, beyond solemn, at Al-Maghtas, an archeological World Heritage Site on the east bank of the Jordan River, when we arrived. This time of the year, the water was murky but there was something magical and mystifying about it that brought me to further silence. Before me was the original location where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.

Capernaum is the town that Jesus frequented.

It was indeed moving and at the same time mesmerizing to be in the site where Jesus was baptized. Some members of our group washed their hands and face in the waters of the Jordan River (although you can actually submerge yourself in these waters as well). ?Since this is the place where Jesus was baptized, most choose to be baptized here as well.

Stair entrance going down the manger and the Star of David

From the Jordan River, we proceeded with newfound excitement to visit the holy and historical places in Israel. The tours were made possible by Akram Albasel, president and owner of Olive Tree Tours, Israel and his business partner in the Philippines, Ching Nejal of Holy Land Tours. Our group, led by Catholic Travel Inc.’s amiable and charismatic priest Fr. Dave Concepcion and my winsome friend Carmina Orbe, enjoyed this 10-day pilgrimage through the Holy Land.

The Altar of the Nativity Marcus in Bethlehem

To Nazareth, said to be the Arab capital of Israel now and the hometown of Jesus, we went first. For the Catholic faithful around the world, Nazareth, whose main attractions are its churches and chapels, is the city where they gravitate to, in the Grotto of the Annunciation — inside the Roman Catholic Church of Annunciation — which is the exact site where, as written in the New Testament, the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin to announce that she would give birth to Jesus. 

Lighted candles for prayers and petitions in Bethlehem

Research shows that The Church of the Annunciation is the largest Christian house of worship in the Middle East. Other important churches include the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent perched on a hill overlooking the city; the Synagogue-Church, on the traditional site of the synagogue where Jesus preached; the Church of Joseph, believed to be where the original carpentry shop of Joseph was located; the Mensa Christi (“Table of Christ”) Church, said to be the place where Jesus broke bread with his disciples after his Resurrection; where tradition holds that Jesus dined with the Apostles after his Resurrection; and the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent, on a hill overlooking the city. Most of the churches found in Nazareth also have museums with holy relics.

The 9th station of the cross site in Jerusalem where Jesus falls for the 3rd time and sign for St Helen Coptic

While in Nazareth, find your way to Mary’s Well, believed to be the well where Mother Mary collected water every day. The water in the well is said to have healing powers. People say the area surrounding Mary’s Well is a springboard for positive vibes.

Nazareth is good for the soul — also for the tummy. Find your way to the Old Market and buy the fruits in season. Or allow your taste buds to feast on the unique and tasty Arabic food. If you love to cook, Elbabour is for you. It’s a spice store. You name a spice, you will find it there.

Haifa is a busy city that is both eclectic and electrifying.

You also find miracles. That Jesus is real and alive in our hearts was further intensified in me when we went to Cana. In Cana, I prayed for miracles for me, for my family, for my friends. Cana made me realize all the more that the miracles performed by Jesus in the past are still valid today.

Locally called Kafr Kana, Cana is an ancient village not far from Nazareth. It is known as the place where Jesus performed his first miracle when he turned water into wine at a wedding. 

The restored tomb where Jesus is believed to have been buried

Seven couples in our group renewed their marriage vows in Cana. All in white clothes, the couples listened intently to Fr. Dave Concepcion who gave a very inspiring homily about love and marriage. The seven couples were Melis and Dante Bernabe, Kim and Bong Aumentado, Lily and Tony Eugenio, Randy and Vito Aruta, Lorraine and Danny Feliciano, Katrina and Jun Palanca, Baby and Merson Mercado.

We also explored the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). This is where Jesus Christ walked on the water and calmed the storm. A lingering glance at the Sea of Galilee comforted the soul, quieted the mind and energized the body. The Sea of Galilee rekindled my devotion to having faith all the time. I could imagine God telling Peter when he doubted He could tame the wind and the storm: “Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

Upper Basilica’s main altar in Nazareth

In Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, we rode a boat and played with the seagulls that hovered very close to us. It is also worthy to note that the Tiberias Hot Springs spa has thermo-mineral pools and treatments, right across the street from the ancient hot springs. In Tiberias can also be found a city-center archaeological park that has preserved 2,000 years of relics and finds. There’s also Mount Berenice that offers a spectacular view and the ruins of the eighth-century Anchor Church. The tombs of Rabbi Akiva, Maimonides, and Rabbi Meir Baal Haness have made Tiberias a Jewish destination.

In Capernaum, a large Galilean fishing village and busy trading center, we were reacquainted with Peter, Andrew, James and John who also lived here. The people of Capernaum in the olden times benefitted much from the teachings of Jesus. The ancient city of Capernaum was deserted for more than a thousand years and it was only rediscovered in the 1800s.

Stained glass located at the Upper Basilica in Nazareth

The port city of Haifa was our next stop, reminiscent of San Francisco in the US. The layout of the city is very unique because it has German Colony and Arab Christian quarter. If you check out the Masada Street, you will discover further the lively pulse of the city.

We also drove to Mt. Carmel to visit the Stella Maris Church. We continued to Caesaria, which was built by Herod the Great, to be mesmerized by the sight of the Aqueducts and the Roman Theater.

A boat in the scenic Sea of Galilee

I greatly anticipated seeing Bethlehem next. Ever since my childhood, I have always associated this town in the West Bank with Christmas because this is where Jesus Christ was born in a manger. So, the Nativity of Christ always comes to mind when Bethlehem is mentioned. This town is called Bayt La?m (“House of Meat”) in Arabic and Bet Le?em (“House of Bread”) in Hebrew.

Indeed, a visit to the Holy Land is a life-changing experience. A journey to Israel is a journey to one’s faith. Every sight, every sound is a communion with God.

* * *

In my next column, I will feature Jerusalem, Bethany, Qumran, Jericho and the Dead Sea.

For more information, call Catholic Travel, Inc. at 523-2523 or 0918-9110748. Log on to www.catholictravel.com.ph.