Diocesan News
Connor Diocese Plans Holy Land Pilgrimage
The Bishop of Connor is inviting pilgrims from across the diocese to travel with him to the Holy Land in March 2011.
The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy has asked Canon John Mann, rector of St John’s Parish, Malone, to lead the 11 day pilgrimage. Canon Mann has been to the Holy Land on five previous occasions.
The tour will take place from March 22 until April 1 2011, and will be based in Jerusalem and Galilee. There are 100 places available at a cost of £1,465 per person. The pilgrimage is already attracting a lot of interest, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Despite the often depressing news from the Middle East, the reality is that places of pilgrimage in the Holy Land are open and welcome visitors. The Connor pilgrimage is scheduled for a time when the weather is usually ideal for touring. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to worship with the local Christian community in Jerusalem, and on their journey through the Holy Land they will have the chance to seek out local Christians and offer them support and encouragement.
Visits will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and Qumran, and there will also be time for relaxation and private exploration.
Inviting people from Connor to join him, Bishop Alan writes: “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the places as well as the texts of the Bible and so to encounter and relate to Jesus in a new and thrilling way.
“We shall find the gospel made strikingly contemporary for us in the lives of the faithful Israelis and Palestinians whom we shall meet and who will guide us through their beautiful and troubled land. The variety of sites and situations will speak to us all differently but we shall all be united on a journey together thirsting for holiness, forgiveness, peace and justice.”
Bishop Alan concludes: “The journey will also be full of laughter and joy, with profound worship and cherishing fellowship.”
Further details are available in the pilgrimage brochure which can be downloaded here.
To reserve a place, please complete the booking form (available to download here) and send it with a deposit of £100 plus the insurance premium of £49 to Canon John Mann, St John’s Rectory, 86 Maryville Park, Belfast, BT9 6LQ. Cheques should be made payable to McCabe Pilgrimages. Canon Mann can be contacted on 028 9066 6644 or email [email protected].
For further information please contact:
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer
Contact Details
Karen Bushby
028 4066 0798
07766103880
[email protected]