As the pilgrims moved Thursday from a hotel near Galilee to Jerusalem, Father Adrian Porras sat down with Catholic News Herald reporter Kimberly Bender to answer a few questions about the Holy Land pilgrimage so far:
Kimberly: The first Mass of the pilgrimage was at the Primacy of Peter. What was that like for you?
Father Adrian: “Just to be on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. As we believe when we celebrate Mass, all the saints and the angels are present – to be there, especially with Peter in mind, to think of how God called him forth, with his errors and weaknesses, with the same calling God calls us through our baptism – it was really inspiring for me to celebrate Mass where it all began.
Kimberly: The highlight of the pilgrimage thus far for many has been the Church of the Annunciation. How did it make you feel?
Father Adrian: “It was an incomprehensible sense of holiness, mysticism, humility, but profound holiness all packed into one area. Mary, being the icon of the faith – her yes to God started it all, and it happened in that little cave.”
Kimberly: Your second Mass was celebrated at the site of Jesus’ first miracle, Cana. What images did that invoke?
Father Adrian: “To know we were celebrating a renewal of vows of two dear friends of mine. And it was about knowing that this was life that Jesus lived, too. Jesus was a man with the people, there to celebrate a very joyous occasion. We were able to celebrate two people's love for each other. To know it was the first sign in John’s Gospel, changing water into wine. It was a peek of the beginning of the revelation of who He was, and, ultimately, that He would give His life for all of us.
Kimberly: The theme I’ve given to the pilgrimage, and oftentimes in Lent, is change. Do you think you’ve changed?
Father Adrian: “We are seeing so much in such a short time. It’s something that may sink in afterwards when I have time to reflect on the pilgrimage. I feel so blessed to be here, to just be here in Jerusalem, in this holy, ancient city – to know where Jesus came to offer His life – is really making me think.”
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See lots of photos, quotes, reflections, faith facts and videos from the Holy Land as the pilgrims walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Join the virtual pilgrimage: http://lentholyland.tumblr.com/