Pilgrimage to Mount Tabor

Pilgrimage to holy places is known from early ages. In Judaism, every adult Jew was required to visit Jerusalem three times a year. From the fourth century, Christian pilgrims started visiting new constructed holy places in the Holy Land and later started travelling to Rome, Loreto, and Lourdes.

We, at the Latroun community, had discussed the idea about making a pilgrimage for a while. But how would we accomplish it? Most of the families have little children, plus there are pregnant women who are not able to make long journeys. After a series of discussions, we decided to ascend Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Our journey was planned to continue up to the north to the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. On Sunday, we would celebrate Pentecost, the day when Holy Spirit descended upon Apostles.

On the day when our journey started, the weather was boiling hot. We had to significantly shorten the path we were going to go on foot. However, in spite of the extreme heat, all members of the parish took part in the journey. Children, pregnant women, seniors, and even young parents with newborns - all hit the road.

It was so hot that we could literally feel the sand of the coming hamsin in the air. But the spiritual experience that we were getting was so strong that everybody was in a good mood. The breathtaking view that was unveiled from the top of Mount Tabor made us recall the psalmist’s words: “Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at Your name”. After the hot air, the cool in the Church of Transfiguration of Christ seemed to be tangible. Here we finished our short pilgrim journey by reading the prayer for God’s Mercy.

In the evening, we celebrated Holy Mass. The reverent silence resonated with the sounds of the organ and our sincere prayer: “Lord, transfigure our souls, and let us become coheirs with Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ”.

It was very symbolic that the next day, on Saturday, we celebrated the mass of Pentecost eve. After the prayers about our transfiguration, we asked to send us the One who transfigures, comforts, and renews, the Holy Spirit. On Sunday, we celebrated the descent of the Holy Spirit. During the entire pilgrimage, we asked for God’s grace and peace for our country.

Between the prayers we had some rest. This was a great time to relax, socialize, and feel like a big family whose members share the same values and interests. Together we visited the Banias Nature Reserve, saw where the Jordan River begins, and walked around the archeological excavations. Perhaps, we would have seen even more, but the heat was beyond all expectations. It was over 45* so we made the Sahne Park our final destination of the journey.

While heading home, we began planning our next pilgrimage.