By Fr Paul Chackanikunnel
LAST year, a group of 15 intrepid souls, predominantly from the Hendra-Northgate parish in Brisbane, embarked on a life-enhancing pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Jordan.
In October this year, another group will have the opportunity to share the same experience.
If you are thinking about taking part, what might you expect? Here are some thoughts from the last group.
The first thing to remember is that you will be a pilgrim, not just a tourist.
While learning about other cultures and soaking up the history and atmosphere is important, time for prayer and reflection is what makes a pilgrimage.
Being open to the story of Jesus told in the travelling and being able to share the experience with like-minded people is very important.
As our pilgrimage group was only 15 in total we were able to get to know each other and bond together in our shared quest. It also made moving around as a group really manageable.
Each of us has precious memories of significant places and events – marvelling at the beauty of Galilee, renewing marriage vows in the church at Cana, sailing on the Sea of Galilee and paddling in its waters, exploring Meggido-Solomon’s ancient capital, visiting the fabulous ancient city of Petra, praying the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and, of course, celebrating Mass together each day in some significant place – so many experiences to savour.
On a practical level, the three-to-four-star hotel accommodation is clean, comfortable and air-conditioned with free wi-fi available in most places.
The variety of food and beverages on offer caters for most tastes and cultures while alcohol availability is mixed but generally on offer.
With wi-fi accessible throughout, communications are generally good in both Israel and Jordan. Mobile phones need to be set up for overseas travel and a travel sim is a good investment.
Pilgrims move around in a well-equipped coach with welcome air-conditioning, wi-fi availability, and capable, obliging drivers.
By law, there is a locally-accredited guide with all pilgrim groups in Israel.
As a result, guides are knowledgeable. Our guide was a Palestinian Israeli Coptic Christian who had an appreciation of pilgrimage and why we were there.
His commentary was enlightening, respectful and engaging while giving a balanced assessment of the political situation.
In Jordan, the situation is similar. Our official Jordanian guide was also a Christian with wide knowledge and understanding of his country and its history.
Any problem from illness to passport trouble was handled with efficiency, kindness and professionalism.
The security situation in the Middle East may discourage people from considering going on this pilgrimage but we did not encounter any problems even though the Israelis and Palestinians were in a tense stand-off at the time.
In October, the weather will be like it is in April in Queensland.
This means it could be cool at night but will be pleasant during the day. Being prepared for in-between weather is advisable.
It is really important to be conscious of religious and cultural sensibilities when travelling in the Middle East.
This means that both women and men should wear clothes of sufficient length to cover shoulders, upper arms and knees.
Long sleeves and slacks are advisable for people with fair skin as shade is sparse in many places.
Of course, wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen are non-negotiables.
As walking is a large component of pilgrimage, footwear is important.
It is wise to take more than one pair of comfortable walking shoes in case of mishap as the terrain can be hard on one’s footwear.
Generally, people of average fitness can cope with this pilgrimage but be aware that there is a fair amount of walking and ancient buildings don’t have lifts.
Nevertheless, if someone needs to sit out an activity, that is fine.
Sometimes, pilgrims encounter conditions that are not as clean as Westerners are used to and tummy bugs can be picked up. Visiting a doctor before travelling is advisable to arm the pilgrim with appropriate vaccinations, medications, tissues and wipes.
Would we recommend the pilgrimage to others? Unreservedly, we would.
It has not only helped us individually in our spiritual lives but has bonded us as a small community.
Perhaps as importantly, our going to the Holy Land is appreciated by our fellow Christians in the Middle East, who are a shrinking minority in the land of Jesus.
So, if you are wavering in your decision, waver no more. You will not be disappointed.
Brisbane Carmelite of Mary Immaculate Father Paul Chackanikunnel is the parish priest of Hendra-Northgate parish.
To experience the Holy Land contact Fr Paul Chackanikunnel on 0428 624 287 or parish secretary Monica Johnson on 3268 3040 or hendra@bne.catholic.net.au.
Travel agent Guido Canale of Canale Travel Service Lutwyche can also be contacted for details on (07) 3357 6444 or guido@canaletravel.com.au for information.
