'A more intimate experience with Jesus Christ'

Historical and religious places, moments of prayer and high spirits marked the first few days of a youth pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Archbishop Paul Cremona.

The 170-strong group has visited Nazareth and Capernaum, Tabgha and Cana, crossed the Sea of Galilee and experienced the renewal of the baptismal promises at Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River.

After being treated to an excursion to Tiberias, a popular touristic spot on the Sea of Galilee, yesterday they left for Bethlehem, stopping on the way for a dip in the Dead Sea. They also visited Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

The youths are showing an interest not only in the religious part of the trip but also in the historical and political aspects of Israel, explained so ably to them by the Franciscan friars accompanying the group - Fr Marcello Ghirlando, Fr Joseph Magro, Fr Ġwann Abela and Fr Twanny Chircop - while joking in between. The youths have also shown an eagerness to talk to Mgr Cremona who sits with them at every opportunity and never says "no" to a photo or autograph.

"I feel very comfortable with youths," Mgr Cremona says. "I like their spontaneity... they're not double-faced and they seem to be enjoying this trip. There's a nice atmosphere. You can feel it even during Mass."

Mgr Cremona and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca are celebrating Mass every day in different churches or basilicas - from the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth (the biggest basilica in the Middle East) to the church where the remains of the House of Peter are found in Capernaum and at the church of Bethany yesterday. Youths follow Mass on their prayer book, seem to listen carefully to the Archbishop's sermon and sing along with the small choir which is always accompanied by guitars and a flute.

"This trip should serve as a more intimate experience with Jesus Christ. Most of these youths have already experienced Jesus in their lives. However, this trip is serving as a 'visual aid' to them. They are seeing the Scriptures come alive," the Archbishop adds. "It's a nice experience for them and it's a pleasure for me to be here."

This is the Archbishop's second visit to the Holy Land. His first trip here was only last year when he led his first pilgrimage to Israel in Easter 2008.

"I had always wished to come here but never had the opportunity," he remarks.

Of all sites he visited, he says that the Holy Sepulchre struck him most. In fact, he stood apart from the rest of the group for a while because he wanted to spend some time on his own as he felt God's presence very strongly there. And he is looking forward to revisiting the place this week.