From Płock to Jerusalem – safely and without obstacles
The trip, led by the diocesan bishop, was a kind of culmination of the celebrations of the 950th anniversary of the Płock Diocese, which lasted throughout the past year. The pilgrims visited the most important places associated with the life of Christ: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Cana of Galilee, Bethany, and Ein Karem. Participants emphasize that the pilgrimage program was carried out without obstacles, and the stay proceeded in an atmosphere of peace. “We felt safe. It was a time of deep prayer and strengthening of faith,” the pilgrims note.
The Holy Land awaits pilgrims
The pilgrimage had significance beyond the diocesan jubilee. As Sister Szczepana from the House of Peace in Bethlehem says, the local Christian community has long awaited the return of pilgrims. “The residents live thanks to pilgrims and for pilgrims,” emphasizes the Elizabethan sister. The presence of the faithful from all over the world provides them not only spiritual but also material support.
Similarly, Father Jerzy Kraj, guardian of the Franciscan monastery in Ein Karem, who has lived in Israel for forty years, speaks. “We have experienced much more difficult times here than the present. That is why we invite everyone who can come: the Holy Land awaits!” the friar said in a conversation with the Bishop of Płock.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has also repeatedly invited people to the Holy Land on Vatican News, saying it is like delving into the “fifth Gospel.”
The Holy Land is not just sanctuaries
Father Kraj reminds us that the Holy Land is not only sanctuaries and places associated with the life of Jesus, but also “living stones” – the Christians who live there. Due to the war in the Gaza Strip and a drastic drop in the number of pilgrims, many of them have lost their basic livelihoods. Pilgrimage tourism is one of the main sources of income for the local population, and the lack of visitors means real economic difficulties for Christian families.
Pilgrims from Płock emphasize that their presence was not only a personal spiritual experience but also an expression of solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. Although the Jubilee Year, celebrated under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope,” has come to an end, Christians living in Israel do not lose hope for the return of pilgrims.
