|
Having been newly ordained and assigned to Ste. Marie Parish in Manchester, NH my pastor Fr. Marc Montminy was often taking people on pilgrimages to Israel. Thinking to myself, “I would not want to go there; those people always seem to be fighting with one another. Besides, the plane ride is much too long for me.”
Such was my mindset until November 2007 when the possibility of putting together a pilgrimage for my parish of All Saints in Charlestown, NH. Let me be honest, I was somewhat hesitant to go. Rita Goody will agree with that statement. So I simply yielded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to trust God in all things. Off I went taking with me 24 of my parishioners.
Simply, I was blown away! The psalmist writes, “This is the work of the Lord and it is wonderful to be hold.” That sums up my first experience to Israel. The peace I felt being in the Holy Land was indescribable. Where ever we went I was touched by beauty of the land; being in the places where the Patriarchs, the Prophets and the Lord Jesus lived, proclaimed God’s message and died was both humbling and moving. I was for all intensive purposes overwhelmed.
Coming back to the States I had made up my mind that I was returning to the Holy Land. On this pilgrimage three different parish groups merged to form a group of 41 pilgrims. Each group did not know one another as we begin but by the time we left Israel we were a unity of persons of one heart and one mind. That is the grace of Holy Land at work.
How would I sum up my second trip to Israel? Mary sings, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” That says it all. This time I was not so overwhelmed but really able to place myself into the experience of each place we went with greater heart and spirit. It was truly an amazing experience as was my first pilgrimage. But this time it was unique. Why? Several factors play a part in my perspective.
First, once again we were blessed with Rita and Lew Goody. I have known Rita and Lew since I was ordained in 1995. They were at Ste. Marie’s my first parish assignment. The care and devotion they offer to us is amazing. Every detail is taken care of and when a need arises they attend to it with dedication. They are valued friends of mine and without them my pilgrimages would not be the same.
Secondly, Isaac Karasenti was a fabulous tour guide. Impressive is the word I would use. Not only in his knowledge of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and the places we went to but in his whole demeanor; smiling, happy, humorous, affable and deeply caring for those who had come to his home land. On the bus when we arrived the first thing Isaac did was to thank us for coming to Israel. His warmth and hospitality throughout trip was always evident. What also impressed me was at the airport he made sure that all of us were set to go through security and then he made the effort to say good-bye to each one of us. Many of my parishioners commented to me about that. When I come back to Israel I want Isaac for my tour guide.
Third, I know that security is a big concern for those in the Tel-Aviv office when we are in Israel. Especially in regard to Bethlehem but I must say never once did I feel uneasy or threatened at any time I was in Israel. Even at the wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Even the border guards were friendly and hospitable. The warmth by which Michael, who owns the Three Arches in Bethlehem, welcomed us with was touching. He paid for our lunch and then provided us with a wonderful dinner and dancing evening at his restaurant in Bethlehem.
Lastly, I was also touched at our farewell dinner when Prosper and Laura came to see us and brought gifts for Fr. Peter, myself and those who had come back to Israel again on this pilgrimage.
In closing, I want to reiterate how welcomed, well take care of and at home I was on my second pilgrimage to Israel. “This is the work of the Lord and it is wonderful to behold.” |
