In Jerusalem, pilgrims speak with awe of walking in Jesus' footsteps

Published: 2008-03-24

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Despite the uneasy political situation in the Holy Land, thousands of pilgrims converged on Jerusalem to celebrate Easter March 23. In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where tradition holds that Jesus was buried, pilgrims from around the world converged for a Mass celebrated by Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah. Other worshippers found solitary spots along the walls of the cavernous 10th-century church for a moment of silent meditation and prayer. Noticeably absent were local Palestinian Christians, most of whom normally celebrate Easter Mass at their home parishes. Many visit the church later in the day, following festive family lunches. Israel issued travel permits for Christians from the West Bank, and they were allowed through checkpoints despite the complete closure imposed on the West Bank during the Jewish Purim holiday, also celebrated March 23 this year. Purim marks the Jewish defeat of a Persian king who wanted to annihilate the Jewish residents of his city.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .