Reflection on the Tomb of Jesus for February 23rd, 2019

The best part of the whole Pilgrimage for me, was celebrating Mass in the Tomb of Jesus on February 23rd, 2019.  From the moment the afternoon before, when I was told that we were able to have Mass in the tomb, I couldn't stop smiling.  Here my reflection on the Tomb of Jesus.


Reflection on the Tomb of Jesus for February 23rd, 2019
Click here to download the reflection

We started the day with having Mass in the Tomb of Jesus.  I was so excited!  Immediately after Mass we toured the Church of the Holy Sepluchre and saw many of the treasures there.  Then we went to the Church of the Dormition, where tradition holds that Mary passed away, before being carried in procession to her tomb.  We visited the Upper Room, which was rebuilt by crusaders where the original was believed to be.  Next, we went to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu and Caiphas' house, where we saw a dungeon that Jesus was kept in.  We had lots of free time in the afternoon.  A group of us went to the Shroud of Turin Exhibit at the Notre Dame Center.  We ended the day with a special dinner at the Christmas Hotel.

Fr. Lampe after Mass in the Inner Chamber 

of the Tomb where Jesus' Body was laid

Pilgrims in the Ante-Chamber of the Tomb of Jesus

Entrance to the Tomb of Jesus

Anointing Stone, Jesus' body was laid down and prepared for burial

Church of the Dormition Exterior

Church of the Dormition Interior Basement

Upper Room

Dungeon in Caiphas' House

Ancient stairs that Jesus likely walked on to Caiphas' House

St. Peter in Gallicantu Lower Level Chapel

Statue of the Man of the Shroud at the Shroud of Turin Exhibit

(The Shroud of Turin is believed by many to be the burial clothe of Jesus)

Dinner at Christmas Hotel

Dinner at Christmas Hotel

Dinner at Christmas Hotel

Dinner at Christmas Hotel

Go to Holy Land Pilgrimage Page