In August (1^st – 9^th) last year, our parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land visited Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Galilee and other places associated with the life of Jesus.  We celebrated Sunday Eucharist in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, beside the Empty Tomb of Our Lord.  Our days in this beautiful land were blessed with the kindness and hospitality of many people who welcomed us.  As we continue to witness scenes of suffering from this same region, we pray for peace and an end to war.

 God of mercy and compassion,

of grace and reconciliation,

pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:

Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis.

Let hatred be turned into love,

fear to trust, despair to hope,

oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,

that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,

and peace and justice could be experienced by all.  Amen

The attached pictures show celebrating Mass beside the Empty Tomb of Our Lord, the domes of the Holy Sepulchre behind the Golden Dome, our group visiting the Shepherd’s Field in Bethlehem and praying on the Sea of Galilee.