HOLY LAND AT YOUR DOORSTEP

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : 13th July 2014 was the 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time which was also Bible Sunday. In conjunction with the occasion, Holy Trinity Parish Tawau held a parish-level biblical event called “ A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.“

This half-day momentous event was jointly organized by the Parish Bible Apostolate in collaboration with other ministries. It was conducted at the Parish Hall compound beginning from 8.30 am to 12.00 noon.

The journey began with a  presentation of slide show on Holy Land in three languages, each at different time. After viewing the show, each participant would get their passport chopped at the various stations. Participants would be awarded a certificate upon completion of the journey.

The objectives of the event were to give the participants the inspiration, understanding, and unique experience for those who are unable to make their dream to Holy Land . It was also a good opportunity for everyone to reflect on the Word of God especially those related to Holy Places in the history of salvation.

Groups were assigned at the various stations to recreate the setting as what  it was in Jerusalem and in holy places most frequented by pilgrims.

More than 400 parishioners participated in the  journey to the Holy Land covering 10 stations;

01. The Shepherd's Field
02. Mary’s Well
03. Jesus Boat or The Galilean Boat
04. Wedding at Cana
05. Mount of Temptation
06. River Jordan
07. Garden of Gethsemane
08. The Place of the Transfiguration
09. Calvary
10. Beatitudes

Participants who managed to complete their journey will be awarded with  a certificate of participation issued by the organizing committee.

Children from the Sunday classes, accompanied  by their class teachers were most entertained .

The activity is not only a memorable occasion but indeed it gave everyone a blessed opportunity to know Christ and the wonders of the Catholic inheritance. It also strengthened their faith with a hope that through such experience one may know the root of the Catholic faith and its way to salvation.