Pilgrimages & Retreats
Itineraries
All our pilgrimages are by invitation and recommendation; we do not advertise. Following first discussions and a presentation to interested parishioners, we work with the Parish Priest and Group Leader to design an itinerary tailored for the group, collaborating on the choice of themes, accommodation, sites for Masses and liturgies etc. We help prepare pilgrims in three meetings, with films, talks and presentations on scripture and history, as well as an introduction to the religious and political realities of the Holy Land. We prepare for each pilgrim a book of scriptures and a printed itinerary for the sites we will visit, plus a book of Morning & Evening prayer, maps and handouts.
All parish pilgrimages are private but individuals and families not in the parish looking to join an existing pilgrimage are welcome if there are places and at the discretion of the parish priest. Please speak to us, and we will take it from there.
Outline itineraries for three example pilgrimages
Here below are three templates for pilgrimages that can be individually adapted to suit a parish or group
Pilgrimage to Palestine and Israel (the Holy Land)
This pilgrimage is usually for 10 days and covers the story of Jesus in the land where he lived. We spend five days in the south focussed on the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus in Bethlehem and Jerusalem and visit the holy sites of events in his life. We then travel north via an overnight stay in the hills, recorded in scripture as a place where Jesus stayed. Nazareth gives us the treasure of Mary, Joseph and family life, and we visit the many sites of Jesus’ life, ministry and miracles in the north, staying for three or four nights on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Pilgrimage to Jordan (the early years)
This pilgrimage covers the early years of Salvation History usually in 7 or 8 days, following the Israelites through the desert, valleys and mountains of the Exodus route to the “Promised Land”. We begin by travelling south to the magnificent city of Petra. Then into the silence, peace and pure air of the wilderness of biblical Punan, before the final part of the journey to the plains of Moab. We renew our Baptismal promises at the Baptism site of Jesus in the River Jordan (above). Pilgrims often wish to meet Jordanian Christians and Iraqi Christian refugees at this point, and opt to spend an extra day or two in north Jordan at the sites of Jesus’ miracles and the very early Church.
Pilgrimage to Jordan, Palestine and Israel
This pilgrimage outlines the 3,000 years of Salvation History over 16 days. Beginning with the Hebrew Scriptures and the Exodus journey of the Israelites, and leading to the Gospels and the birth of the Church. The journey begins with Petra and two days in the wilderness, before completing the Exodus journey at Mount Nebo and crossing the River Jordan into Israel and Palestine. We focus on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and then travel north to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee where we stay for a few days. Finally, we cross back over the River Jordan into the northern green hills of Jordan and sites of Jesus’ miracles and the national shrine of Our Lady of the Mount.
Upcoming Pilgrimages & Retreats 2024 - to be added to website shortly
Pilgrimage Payment
Are you joining one of our Pilgrimages and need to make a payment? Click the link below to be taken to the payment page where you can fill out your details and make the payment. Many thanks.
About Our Pilgrimages
We aim to provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal through unhurried exploration of the 'fifth gospel', following Jesus in the desert, the cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth, in the fields and hills, and at the Sea of Galilee.
We hear the chants of the Early Church and the liturgies from the Patriarchate of Antioch, including the Rites of St James, St John Chrysostom and the Syriac Catholics, allowing us to absorb the liturgical treasure of the Universal Church. We celebrate Mass with local parishes whenever we can.
We meet Christians who are working to educate, nurse, feed and clothe the people of the Holy Land, irrespective of their religion; we visit Bethlehem University (founded by Pope Paul VI), hospitals, special schools and homes caring for orphaned and abandoned children. We directly help needy families with clothes, medicines and toys for the children.
We welcome the Jewish Shabbat in a Jerusalem synagogue to share and connect with the Jewish roots of our Christian faith.
We are guided by the Benedictine and Franciscan charisms of prayer and hospitality - and appreciate comfortable beds, good food and wine. We try not to rush around and follow a theme each day, with Morning and Evening Prayer, Mass, reflective reading and praying with Scripture. We worship with the local Christians and stay in the best pilgrim houses and hotels run by the Church and Christian families. We use Christian guides and transport companies. Our groups are small - between 16 and 30 people - and although we ourselves are from the Roman Catholic tradition, our groups are always ecumenical.
Please note: 5th Gospel Retreats Ltd. is insured as a tour operator acting in an advisory, administrative and organising capacity to the parish (or other) group. Della normally accompanies each pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the group’s chaplain. Flights are purchased directly by the parish office from the major airlines or through an ATOL bonded Agency. Our Retreat-Pilgrimages are not commercial and the Holy Land costs are shared between members of the group.
