Questions & Answers

What is the Holy Land Institute?

It is a ministry of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in San Francisco that responds to the exhortation of the Holy Father Benedict XVI to support Holy Land Christians and to that of Jesus when he told Peter, “Feed my sheep.”  We seek to encourage Christians in the Holy Land by educating adults and young people about the Bible and the land of the Bible, by organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land, by patronizing Christian businesses in the Holy Land, by becoming acquainted with the ministries, outreach and interreligious activities of the Holy Land Christians, and by promoting encounters and dialogue.

Who is leading the pilgrimage?

The spiritual director is Monsignor Labib Kobti, and the leader is Dr. Claudia Devaux who may be contacted at (805) 544-9088 or by email at info@HolyLandInstitute.org. Joining the Holy Land Institute leadership team in October 2010 is Lorin Peters, teacher of non-violence and veteran member of the Christian Peace Team, who can be reached by phone at (510) 207-6720 and by email at lorinpeters@yahoo.com.

What can we expect in terms of visits to Biblical and archeological sites?

Pilgrims will be provided with readings associated with each site. Local English-speaking guides will provide commentary including Biblical context, archeology, history, and geography. Site visits require a considerable amount of walking.

What are the distinctive features of Holy Land Institute pilgrimages?

The number of pilgrims is limited to between 16 and 20. All meals and standard gratuities are included in the price. Each participant has a single room with bath so that everyone has some quiet time [it is possible to share a room with a spouse or companion, but there is no price break]. The program language is English; most of our liturgies will be in English, but some will be in Arabic. Our patronage of Christian guesthouses helps support Christians in the Holy Land and local ministries [e.g., programs for people with disabilities, schools, youth movements, orphanages]. Our program is not limited to holy site visits; we encounter Holy Land Christians in their homes and elsewhere to listen to their stories and learn firsthand of their challenges, joys, and dreams.

Where do we stay in the Holy Land?

East of the Jordan, we stay at Our Lady of Peace Center in Amman. Pope Benedict XVI visited this center in May 2009. West of the Jordan, we stay at a guesthouse in Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, and at a hotel operated by Christians in Bethlehem where Ruth, the Moabite, settled with her mother-in-law Naomi, where her great grandson King David was born, and where the Lord Jesus, descended from the House of David, was born. Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank, used to be 90% Christian, but due to emigration, the Christian population has decreased to less than 35%.  With the visit of Pope John Paul II in 2000, many hotels and guesthouses were built. However, only recently has the town seen an increase in international visitors. Pilgrims from all over the world, including Spain, Italy. Poland, the Netherlands, France, England, Brazil, and India–make Bethlehem their base when visiting the Holy Land.

What happens on a home visit?

We arrange for home visits to Christian families on both sides of the Jordan. Pilgrims join the host family for a meal and conversation and perhaps a personal tour of the area. Ideas for gifts that pilgrims might offer their host families include books featuring pictures of scenery from the pilgrim’s hometown, chocolates, souvenir serving trays or coasters, and music CDs.

What is the price?

The price is indicated on the registration form. A land-only fee is available for those who wish to make their own air travel arrangements. Prices are subject to change if the group fails to get a minimum number of pilgrims or if operators increase their prices or if the US dollar is devalued significantly against other currencies or, for air travel, if there is a fuel surcharge.  Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes roundtrip air fare from a gateway city [arrangements can be made for connecting flights], transportation to and from the Amman airport, all lodging, all meals, entrance fees, border crossings, ground travel, and standard gratuities for the guides and drivers. 

What is not included in the pilgrimage price?

Beverages other than breakfast coffee, tea, and juice are usually not included. Pilgrims are responsible for obtaining their visas in advance for Jordan [if you prefer, our travel agent can go to the Jordanian Consulate in San Francisco to obtain your multiple-entry visa ]. If you have a US passport, you don’t need a visa for Israel. If you don’t have a US passport, please check with the Israeli Consulate or online.  Also not included: carriages at Petra, Dead Sea spa expenses, laundry, souvenirs. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to contribute to collections at Mass. Bring a few dollar bills to tip restroom attendants and porters at the airport, border crossings, and guesthouses or hotels.

What about shopping?

There will be plenty of opportunities to shop. We make a point to take you to “fair trade” shops that offer fair prices to shoppers and fair compensation to both shopkeepers and artisans. You will learn about the quality of olive wood carvings, taste wine and maybe even beer made in the Holy Land, admire exquisite embroidery work, sip mint tea and Arabic coffee, get a manicure or facial, and experience the luxury of mineral products from the Dead Sea. You will have free time to bargain with vendors in Jerusalem, and you will meet our artisans in Bethlehem and also in Jordan. If suddenly you need to replace a broken suitcase, get a shoe repaired, buy batteries for your camera, consult a pharmacist, or have a dental cavity filled, we will make sure you see the right person.

What is the electrical voltage?

On both sides of the Jordan, the voltage is 220. 

What about the weather?

The Mediterranean climate is similar to that of California. The average daily temperature in Jerusalem in both May and October is a high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of about 54 degrees. Again, you will find links to weather information by going to our website.

How much money should I bring?

The amount you bring depends on how much shopping you intend to do. You may pay for many things with dollars, and you can get shekels for Israel/Palestine and dinars for Jordan at money changers. Credit cards are accepted at many shops.

How much luggage may I bring?

In addition to your carry-on bag, it is our understanding that you are allowed two bags of up to 50 pounds each on international flights. Be sure to verify the baggage allowance with the airline. We recommend one easy-to-manage suitcase with wheels and perhaps a sports bag that you can rest on top of your suitcase.  Put any medications and maybe even a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. It is helpful to have an inflatable neck pillow for the long flight overseas. You may wish to pack your Bible.

 How do I sign up?

Complete the registration form and send it with your deposit to Linsil Travel. Payment in full must be received two months prior to the start of the program.