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A Trip to the Holy LandA Letter from Father Guido Roascio A unique religious experience. Many pilgrims in the land of Jesus. Many fears of insecurity have been discovered to be without foundation.
I returned to the roots of Christianity. I took part in a trip that was offered by the Caldieri Agency of Monselice (Padova), along with about 50 people. Most are operators of the congregational tourism that is assisted by this agency. Our group leaders were the "electric" Marcello and the "sweet" Alessia, an optimal team.
During the tour, I realized that the fears of insecurity, caused by the war that interrupted Holy Land pilgrimage in the year 2000, have no basis. The flow of pilgrims toward the land of Jesus has started again, and it is slowly growing. In my judgment, there is enough security in the realm of tourism to Palestine, both religious and secular. In fact, both Israelis and Palestinians are concerned for the recovery of tourism, because it is the heart of their economy.
I advise everyone: Have no fear to return to the land, which for us Christians is spiritually precious and has no substitute elsewhere. I visited cities where I've been before with lots of friends, praying and celebrating Mass with them.
The return to places such as Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem, hearing again the words that came out of them 2000 years ago, was a breath of fresh air. I was especially moved by the Mass we held at Calvary, very near the place of crucifixion and the stone of unction, where Jesus' corpse was laid to prepare it for burial.
The Holy Sepulcher filled my heart with light. I prayed for all my friends, whom I took with me in my mind to all of these sacred places.
I wish to add that wherever the Franciscan fathers are active as "Custodi di Terra Santa" (Keepers of the Holy Land), the environment is fantastic. Art, modesty and clean surroundings combine with a harmony of religion and archaeology.
We also made a day-trip to Jordan. I remain astonished by the greatness of Jerash, which was buried in the dunes of the desert until the last decade. This city makes you feel the potency, wealth and efficiency of the great Roman Empire. The theatre was uniquely preserved. I've never seen another theatre so complete.
Petra is fantastic. Indescribable. You have to visit and see it yourself.
As in any trip, the heart is refreshed, despite the differences of political opinion, and despite the fences we witnessed when passing the much-publicized wall. The land of Jesus remains, containing footsteps of peace, which this stupid war of human beings can never wipe out.
Father Guido Roascio
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