There are no perfect lives, There exists a place located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River that beautifully blends the nostalgic old and the progressive new. It is said to be the meeting point between heaven and earth, where more than 2,000 years of history come alive right before your very eyes. Our lively 34 traveling companions with our dear chaplain Fr. Dennis Paez intimated that our journey was specially curated by God. To walk in the Holy Land in the footsteps of Christ is to live a “Fifth Gospel” with lessons about salvation history, the Gospel, and the place where the Bible comes alive.

Jerusalem is a fascinating city. Each step is taken in awe and wonder as you visit the place where Jesus was born in the Church of the Nativity and where He was nailed to and died on the cross in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We also visited the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. We learned about so many truths not known to many. The Mount of Olives is where the Garden of Gethsemane is located and where you will find the rock where Jesus prayed in agony the night before he was crucified.

Another unforgettable experience was a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee where we recalled the well-known scene of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—the Beatitudes—and where Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, and made Peter and Andrew into “fishers of men.” Our favorite entertainment was “Trip to Jerusalem in Jerusalem” with Büm Tenorio Jr. as the game master. Playing our version of musical chairs, we squealed in delight as we were eliminated one by one. Members of the group rushed to the designated seats to the laughter of everyone. Marianne Hernandez and Jenny Hernandez bagged the top awards for this game. I will always remember what Fr. Paez said: “Do good things in a hidden way. What you do in secret, the Lord will reward. No need to trumpet your deeds.” He also stressed the value of forgiveness and compassion. Another special pilgrimage we embarked on was a sacred visit to Ephesus, home of the Blessed Mother where St. John the Beloved took her after Jesus died and where he built her a home.