We experienced our first pilgrimage before being invested in the Order. It changed our entire perspective on the Holy Land and what our faith meant to us. It was a life-changing event and the turning point in our decision to enter the Order. Each day brought a unique and interesting facet to ponder and reflect upon. The camaraderie with the other Pilgrims meant lifelong relationships were forged with like-minded individuals on their own faith journey. The daily rosary on the bus meant more and more each day as we explored and learned about the sights we were visiting. It was an exciting and emotional feeling to be at the birthplace of Jesus, to walk in the steps of Our Lord, to see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to pray at the empty tomb, and to sit in the Garden of Gethsemane. Experiencing Mass at so many holy places daily gave us a deeper perspective in our belief and devotion. In addition, our excellent, knowledgeable, local guide gave us a true and accurate perspective of what it is like to be a Christian living in the Holy Land today.
