The call of the Holy Land has resonated with devout Christians for centuries, and for a number of staff from Townsville Catholic Education, principals and teachers, it was the perfect way to continue their pilgrimage after attending World Youth Day in Lisbon.

This dream they finally realised as they embarked on a spiritual journey to the heart of their faith. Their pilgrimage took them to the sacred sites of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, allowing them to trace the footsteps of Jesus and deepen their understanding of the Gospel.

Kevin Tierney from Southern Cross Catholic College signed up for the pilgrimage to get a real insight into the life of Jesus. “I've heard the stories over the years and always wanted to put them into context. eg. what were the living conditions like, what was the countryside like.”

Deirdre Martell from Columba Catholic College, said “Everything I have been taught about Jesus and his life from the Good Samaritan Sisters since I was 5 years old to everything I have taught the students during my 43 years of teaching, I saw firsthand and loved every moment of it.”

St Anthony’s Catholic College School Officer Karlene Rodriguez said “my understanding of the Gospel has changed since the pilgrimage. I feel more connected to God now that I have physically been to these places."

One of the challenges that all pilgrims experienced was the politics of Israel vs Palestine vs Christians and in some ways sad that there seem to be the same issues today as there were in Christ's time.

“The highlight for me was the birthplace of Jesus, I never knew he was born in a cave, but it's obvious when you understand the local conditions and traditions of the time, Kevin said.
“The birthplace being shared by the Armenians/Greek Orthodox and Christians highlights the importance of the many facets of our religion.”

Many of the pilgrims reflected on similar highlights.

“To stand in the River Jordan and have our Baptismal Vows renewed was mind boggling, as was the opportunity to celebrate Mass on a Jesus boat in the middle of
the Galilee Sea was just perfect,” Dierdre said.

Karlene said"I can't believe I’ve walked where Jesus walked."