Mothers, Metaphors and Models
A retreat in the Holy Land remembering Women in the Bible
March 24- April 3, 2004

Wander the wilderness where Miriam challenged the leadership of Moses – where Sarah and Hagar struggled over the fates of their children.

Walk the roadways of Galilee as Mary of Magdala once did in search of healing and wholeness. Follow the ancient pilgrim path through Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha, on the way to Jerusalem.

This retreat experience is for women who wish to reflect on the Scriptures in the land that inspired them. Rooted in Catholic Biblical scholarship, this retreat offers input on the texts and sites visited, experiences of common prayer, and times of quiet reflection.
Our days will begin early and include biblical sites that portray the story of women in the Old and New Testaments. At each site, we will hear about the significance of the biblical story and have an opportunity to pray. The trip requires daily hikes, so participants must be in good health.
ITINERARY

March 24 Leave Chicago

March 25 Arrive Tel Aviv. We will board a tour bus and travel to Galilee where we will stay at the Mt. of Beatitudes Christian Hostel run by the Franciscan Sisters. We are here four nights.

March 26 Caesarea Philippi, Dan. Today we will travel through the Golan Heights to the upper Galilee. At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Here we will retell the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman who begged Jesus to heal her daughter.

March 27 Capernaum, Primacy of Peter, Ginosaur, boat ride on Sea of Galilee, Tiberias, Mt. Arbel. This day we will tour around the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum is the site where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. At Mt. Arbel we will overlook the entire Galilee valley and remember the role of Mary of Magdala and the women who followed Jesus, supporting his ministry through their own resources. We will sail on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of a first-century fishing boat.

March 28 Nazareth, Cana, Sepphoris, Mt. Tabor. We will celebrate Sunday liturgy with the local parishioners at the Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth.
March 29 Caesarea Maritima, Beersheva; o/n in Beersheva. At Caesarea, Philip and his four daughters founded the Christian community. Here Cornelius and his household became the first Gentile Christians. Beersheva is located in the Negev desert. Here we will remember our desert mothers, Sarah and Hagar.

March 30 Ein Avdat, Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Springs; o/n Ein Gedi. Walking through the nature preserve of Ein Avdat, we will reflect on Miriam’s leadership of the Israelites.

March 31 Qumran, Jericho, Mt. of Olives; o/n Jerusalem. In the caves above Qumran, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. On the Mt. of Olives, we will overlook the Holy City of Jerusalem where Jesus wept. Then we will walk down the pilgrim route to the Garden of Gethsemane.

April 1 Holy Sepulchre, Old City, Via Dolorosa, St. Ann’s, Southern Wall Excavations. The rock of Calvary is enshrined in the Holy Sepulchre where we will remember the Passion of Jesus and the women at the Tomb.

April 2 Bethlehem, Ein Karem. Today we commemorate Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, whose home is believed to have been at Ein Karem.

April 3 Return to Chicago.
TRIP DETAILS:
For your $2,200, you will receive round-trip airfare from Chicago, lodging, most meals, guiding, tips, entrance fees and the retreat experience of a life-time! Price is based on a minimum of 20 participants.

We will stay in Christian or youth hostels that are simple and clean. In most places, lodging is double occupancy. Limited singles are available for a supplemental fee.

Space is limited. Request an application today.

For more information, contact your reatreat directors:

Marianne Race, CSJ

Laurie Brink, OP
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