A few years ago, I had the blessed opportunity to undertake a Christian Holy Land pilgrimage from our church. I vividly remember landing at Amman International Airport and driving through the landscape. The buildings around us were mostly white, their simple beauty standing in stark contrast to the bustling cities I was used to back home.
The first few days were filled with a growing understanding the context of Jesus’ life. We travelled through the lands that Jesus once walked, visiting sites such as Milk Grotto and Cana of Galilee that felt sacred in ways I could not fully comprehend at that age.
We prayed at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, stood on the Mount of Beatitudes and marvelled at the view from Mount Tabor. As a child, there were moments when my curiosity overshadowed my understanding. I could not quite grasp the full weight of the journey, but I remember feeling awe-struck as I floated effortlessly in the Dead Sea, my lack of swimming skills irrelevant in the buoyant water. And, of course, I couldn’t forget savouring the famous St Peter’s fish. But beyond these simple joys, my mother’s voice always echoed in my ears: ‘Pray earnestly’. She believed that prayers made in the sacred places we visited would be granted. So, in each church we visited, I would close my eyes, whisper my thoughts, and make three wishes, trusting in the faith she held so dearly.
SOLEMN REFLECTION
But the tone of the pilgrimage shifted as we moved on. The lightness of the early days gave way to a deeper, more solemn reflection as we arrived in the Old City of Jerusalem and in Jericho. There we began praying the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa – the path Jesus is believed to have walked on his way to Golgotha.
The weight of the journey became palpable. Each of us took turns carrying the cross and we prayed through the stations, reflecting on the agony of Christ’s sacrifice. It was a humbling experience, one that left a lasting impression in my heart. We ended that day by visiting the tomb of Jesus where the stillness and reverence of the place settled deep within me.
Though we visited many other cities and sites during the pilgrimage, that walk through the Via Dolorosa remains etched in my memory. Its significance has become clearer to me as I have grown older.
A DIFFERENT VIEW
As a child, I only understood that it must have been a hard and humiliating journey for Jesus, but today I see it differently. The journey he took was not just for himself but for humanity. I did not fully understand its gravity then, but I felt it in a way that has stayed with me, quietly shaping my faith and my values.
Having experienced and seen what Jesus’ life could have been like has enabled me to appreciate simplicity and humility in life. In a world that often values wealth, power and status, the pilgrimage to the Holy Land was a reminder of the beauty to be found in simplicity, in living with purpose, and in giving back to the world.
Witnessing the history and culture and being a part of Jesus’ journey has enabled me to be more conscious of the way I want to live and curate my life ahead.
Ann Maria Sabu is a member of the Australian Catholics young writers community.
PILGRIMAGE
A Catholic pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred site, undertaken as an act of faith, devotion or penance. Pilgrims seek spiritual renewal through prayer, reflection and participation in the sacraments. The Holy Land holds special significance for Catholics as the setting of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and Resurrection. Visiting sites such as Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem allows pilgrims to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, connect with biblical events, and deepen their faith. It also fosters a sense of unity with the global Church and brings the Gospel to life in a powerful, tangible way.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Sacred places and blessed opportunities – questions and activities
These engaging, age-appropriate activities to explore themes such as pilgrimage, sacred places and connection to Country by focussing on the Mount of Olives.