A Pilgrimage of Peace to the Holy Land

Prayer      Solidarity     Peace

Dear Friends:

We invite you consider joining us for our next Pilgrimage of Peace to the Holy Land, November 28 - December 9th 2005.

This past May, Pope John Paul II encouraged "pilgrimages of peace" to the Holy Land to express solidarity with the local Christian community. In his address  to the general assembly of the Italian bishops' conference, the Pope applauded the initiative adopted last year by Italian dioceses to promote "pilgrimages of peace to the Holy Land." These pilgrimages are a sign of solidarity, a witness to peace, and an opportunity for economic support of the beleaguered Palestinian Christian community.

"Many of you have visited personally those places, taking numerous pilgrims with you.  It is also a strong sign of closeness and solidarity for the Christian communities that live there and that are in great need of your help." the Holy Father said.

Co-sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and the Joliet Diocese Peace and Social Justice Ministry along with Koinonia Retreats, and under the spiritual direction of Bishop George Lucas of Springfield, IL, this pilgrimage responds to the Pope's call and the example of the Italian bishops to find solidarity with the people of the Holy Land. Our pilgrimage will include visits to the Holy Places, the "Ancient Stones", important to the People of God. We will walk where Jesus walked. But, we will also take time to visit God's Holy People, the "Living Stones", the Palestinian Christians who live in Israel. We will walk in solidarity with the descendants of the people with whom Jesus walked.

Each day will be steeped in scripture reflections, prayer times, and liturgy. We will also have an opportunity to hear from the oppressed of the land, to witness efforts to bring justice and peace through development and empowerment, to learn from peacemakers and Middle-east issue experts. This will not be a tourist trip, but a pilgrimage. It will be a pilgrimage of prayer, solidarity, and the quest for peace.

Please download a brochure, including the itinerary and registration materials, for review.

Sincerely,

Tom Garlitz, Director