This will be my second trip to the Holy Land – one of the questions that people keep asking me is having been there once why are you going back. To me the answer is quite simple, however this simple answer does not seem to be acceptable or to satisfy those asking the question – my reply is we go on holidays to relax and recuperate (building and restoring our physical and mental health), we spend time in the gym exercising in order to keep fit and healthy and if we were an athlete; ensuring that we are at our best both mentally and physically so that we can be at our best for the challenges ahead.
Therefore pilgrimages to me is ensuring that I am in the best spiritual condition (exercising both spiritual mind and bodily) in order to be able to give my best to our heavenly father. On this 2014 pilgrimages to the Holy Land we were bless with excellent weather and a feast of spiritual enlightenment both personal and religious.
Our daily programme allowed us the freedom to explore our personal spiritual goals, while at the same time been flexible enough to accommodate for our individual spiritual naivety; while incorporating the element of open honesty – in the form being able to discuss individually or in a group your ideals and personal beliefs without fear of been stigmatised, to shear the problems of the least among us (those with mobility issues). And at the same time sharing your own personal enlightenment with the group i.e. celebrating the renewal of your wedding vows on your 33rd wedding anniversary (on the day) in the place where the first miracle was performed.
The aim of this article is to encourage my fellow pilgrims to contribute and share their individual experiences for all to read on the Reminiscences section of the All Saints website www.allsaintsnottinghill.org.uk. My own experiences of my first visit to the Holy land (2010) can be found on the website.
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