Haifa Filipino community pilgrimage recollection

Since we could not get a Filipino priest for our Advent recollection this year, the Filipino community of Haifa at St. Joseph Latin parish decided to have an Advent Recollection Pilgrimage. So we did in Nazareth last December 6, the Second Sunday of Advent.

The holy places we went to were Nazareth, Cana and Mount Tabor. We had Mass at 8:00 am in the Basilica of the Annunciation with Father Benny Baisas,ofm as our main celebrant. In his homily, Father Benny emphasized the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Door in some Churches in Holy Land, and the significant moments in our life here in particular as migrant workers. He invited the faithful to come for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the grace and indulgence during this Year of Mercy.

After Mass Father Benny brought us down to the grotto to pay homage to our Lady, pray the Angelus and sing some Tagalog hymns to our Lady. Then he gave us the final blessing which is the blessing of St. Francis.

It was a significant moment for each one of us, since this is our first time to have this kind of pilgrimage and recollection experience.

Then we moved to the Mary of Nazareth International Center where we watched the multimedia show, a presentation to discover Mary of Nazareth. It was an inspiring film that moved all of us to tears. From there, we proceeded to Kafr Cana and Mount Tabor. We had our picnic – sharing our food with everyone in the garden outside the Basilica of the Transfiguration. We went home to Haifa full of enthusiasm, joy and gratitude.

Our next pilgrimage will be on Christmas day to Bethlehem.

A reflection of Maricor Isah Franck, one of the pilgrims

Coming from a predominantly Catholic household, regularly attending Sunday Mass and following the essential sacraments, as a child, my views of Nazareth or Israel as a whole is my Holy Land. However, I must admit, as an adult I became exposed to atheism that somehow made my faith questionable which led me astray. Being able to join this religious pilgrimage to Nazareth that was organized by the Stella Maris Church in Haifa through Sister Mary's assistance, it indeed gave me an in-depth understanding of the life of Jesus.

The grotto of Annunciation of Mary that we first visited and learning about her great devotion made my senses regain the broken faith. We attended the Sunday Mass that was officiated by Father Benny Baisa, and I was so wholeheartedly taken by his homily. Afterwards we had a film showing, that outlined the history of Christianity and it was well presented. Our last stop was Mount Tabor, my thought was, "Jesus really knows how to choose the best place on earth".

Overall my heart cannot contain the happiness I felt on this journey.