Pilgrimage to Holy Land <br/><br/>
At the time of this writing, there is still 24 hours to go until we begin the journey to the Holy Land.  Therefore the purpose of my writing is not to report on what happened, but to share my thoughts.<br/><br/>
The leader of this pilgrimage is Sr. Jocelyn.  Last year, she contacted me because she noticed that there were many catechists in the various Chinese parishes.  She wanted to introduce to the Catechists a few textbooks on the topic of the Holy Land that she authored.  Sr Jocelyn is one of the Sisters of Zion.  She lived in Jerusalem for a few years, and she is the vice chairperson of the Ontario Bible Committee.  I once had an opportunity to attend a short bible workshop organized by her Order.  Hence when I met her I felt a sense of familiarity.<br/><br/>
In our conversation I learned that every year she leads a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  Thus we quickly decided that she will lead a group from this parish.  I have been to the Holy Land a few times, and the first time was more than thirty years ago.  Back then I was still studying in Rome and I was visiting a Salesian priest who came from Hong Kong, but was studying in Bethlehem.  I did not stay long that time, but strangely enough the places where Jesus lived and worked made a deep impression upon me.  Later visits, such as the time when I went with a few Hong Kong parishioners and again during my studies in Jerusalem; only deepened the impression; but the first impression was the most memorable.<br/><br/>
However, every time I visit the Holy Land, I experience the quiet charm of the place.  Whether it’s on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the ruins of the temple, or the Garden of Gethsemane; they all reflect the light of Jesus’ presence.<br/><br/>
By the time this piece is published, we should have already returned to Toronto.