Holy Land Highlights

Fourteen seminarians from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and Father David Endres, Dean of The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, returned June 9 from a nine-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This annual trip is made possible by generous benefactors.

Highlights of the pilgrimage included the celebration of Mass at various holy sites, including Mount Tabor (place of the Transfiguration), Bethlehem (place of Jesus’ birth), the Holy Sepulchre (place of Calvary and the Tomb), and Abu Gosh (where Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection — called in the Bible, Emmaus).

On the last night of the pilgrimage, the group had the opportunity to remain in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after hours. Each night at 9 PM fifteen pilgrims may remain in the church until it is reopened in the morning. The small group had the opportunity to pray in the tomb and on Mt. Calvary without the crowds that throng the church during the day. In the early morning, they joined the Franciscans who minister at the Holy Sepulchre for the praying of the first "hour" of the Liturgy of the Hours, matins.

The annual pilgrimage has been an important part of the seminarians' preparation for priesthood. “It’s a wonderful experience," noted Rector Father Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, "which will enhance their ministry as priests with a better understanding of the scriptures and preaching. We are truly grateful for all those who make this possible.” 

Click the following link to see a photo gallery of the 2017 Holy Land trip  http://www.mtsm.org/PhotoGalleries/PhotoGallery57.aspx

Photos courtesy of seminarian Mark Bredestege, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, St. Joseph / North Bend.