Middleton bishop to lead Holy Land pilgrimage

Bishops of Manchester, Middleton and Bolton

A bishop from Middleton is one of three set to lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November 2011.

The Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies will be joined by the Bishop of Manchester, Nigel McCulloch and the Bishop of Bolton, Chris Edmondson, for the eight day journey which will take in many of the key moments in the life of Jesus.

Pilgrims will leave for Israel on 19 November and fly from London to Tel Aviv. After arriving on the Mediterranean coast the bishops will lead the group north to the Galilee region where they will spend time in Nazareth, Cana of Galilee and around the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

“We shall certainly have a Manchester Diocesan boat on the Sea of Galilee and be able to meditate and reflect on all that happened there as well as praying for peace in the Holy Land today,” said Bishop McCulloch.

After time in Galilee the pilgrims will journey south for several days exploring the Jerusalem area including a half-day visit to the Palestinian town of Bethlehem where a service of the nativity will be celebrated.

The pilgrims will also be able to take in the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and the Old City of Jerusalem where they will follow the famous Via Dolorosa.

Each day there will be short services, readings and historical introductions to the sites visited.

Bishop McCulloch added: “We will spend a day in Bethlehem visiting the birthplace of Jesus and taking the opportunity to learn about and reflect on current realities and tensions for Christians and their neighbours in the Holy Land, as well as meeting with local church leaders and visiting various projects.

“We hope many will want to join us on this unique opportunity to follow in the steps of Jesus, and support our Christian brothers and sisters in this troubled region. We look forward to the pleasure of your company on this great pilgrimage of Faith and Discovery which is certain to be a most memorable time for us all.”