Blog

Is It Safe to Travel to the Holy Land Right Now?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:22:14 GMT

Is It Safe to Travel to the Holy Land Right Now? A Thoughtful, Grounded Answer

If you’re asking, “is it safe to travel to the Holy Land now?” you are not alone. It’s one of the most common and most honest questions we receive.

It’s also a wise question.

The land that Jews, Christians, Muslims, and many others hold sacred is often in the headlines. Images of conflict travel fast. Political narratives grow loud. Social media compresses complex realities into sharp soundbites. And for the spiritually curious traveler—the one who feels called toward a deeper encounter rather than a surface-level tour—this can create tension in the heart. You may feel drawn toward a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, yet unsure whether that longing is practical… or responsible… or safe.

Let’s slow this down.

Instead of offering fear-based reassurance or dismissing legitimate concerns, this post offers something steadier: context, transparency, and lived reality from those who walk the ground daily.

The Headline vs. the Lived Reality

When people search online for “is travel to Israel safe” or scan a current Israel travel advisory, they often encounter broad, high-level warnings. Government advisories are designed to be cautious. News cycles focus on flashpoints. And both tend to speak in generalities.

But life on the ground is rarely general.

The Holy Land—encompassing Israel and the Palestinian Territories—is not one uniform space of chaos. It is a mosaic of regions, neighborhoods, cultures, and daily rhythms. In any given week, millions of people go to work, send children to school, pray in mosques and synagogues and churches, shop in markets, harvest olives, lead university classes, and gather for weddings.

Pilgrims continue to walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Worshipers still fill the pews at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Families light Sabbath candles. The call to prayer still echoes across the hills. This does not deny that tension exists. It does. It always has, in various forms. But tension does not equal constant danger, and headlines do not equal lived daily reality. Safety in the Holy Land—like safety in many parts of the world—is nuanced, localized, and deeply influenced by where you go, who you are with, and how you travel.

What “Safe” Actually Means

When someone asks, “is it safe to travel to Israel?” what they are often asking is:

Will I be physically secure?
Will I be caught in violence?
Will I feel anxious the entire time?
Is this responsible to do?

Safety is not a binary. It is a spectrum influenced by planning, partnership, awareness, and posture. A well-designed trip to Israel or the Palestinian Territories is not a spontaneous wander into unstable areas. It is structured. It is informed. It is guided by local partners who understand the rhythms of the land and who adjust itineraries if conditions change.

Major pilgrimage sites and historic spiritual destinations are accustomed to hosting international travelers. Security infrastructure in Israel, in particular, is among the most sophisticated in the world. Entry procedures can be thorough—but thorough is not the same as unsafe. It is often the opposite.

That said, there are moments when certain regions are not advisable for travel. Ethical operators do not ignore that. They adjust. They postpone. They redesign itineraries when needed. Safety decisions are made dynamically, not ideologically.

For the spiritually grounded traveler, the real question becomes not simply “is it safe?” but “Is this journey being facilitated responsibly?”

The Difference Between Tourism and Pilgrimage

There is a difference between a mass-market Christian Holy Land tour that rushes through sites with little context and a thoughtfully curated pilgrimage rooted in relationships.

One is transactional. The other is relational. Safety is dramatically shaped by relationship.

When you travel with ethical local partnerships—guides who live there, drivers who know alternate routes, hosts who understand community dynamics—you are not a detached outsider. You are a guest under the care of people who take your wellbeing seriously.

At Holy Land 360, our model has always centered on local collaboration. Palestinian Christian guides. Israeli Jewish scholars. Interfaith voices. Community leaders. People who wake up each day in this land.

They do not benefit from recklessness. They benefit from stability, mutual respect, and ongoing connection. So they make decisions accordingly.

This is not blind optimism. It is lived prudence.

Understanding the Israel Travel Advisory Context

Government travel advisories are important tools. They are also often broad instruments. When a country issues an Israel travel advisory, it may apply to specific border regions or flashpoint areas while daily life continues relatively normally in others. Advisories are rarely fine-grained enough to distinguish between neighborhoods in Jerusalem, regions of the West Bank, or distances between sites. For example, a warning related to border tension in the north does not necessarily reflect conditions in Bethlehem, Jericho, or Nazareth at the same time. Context matters. A responsible pilgrimage organizer monitors advisories closely, communicates transparently with participants, and makes decisions rooted in up-to-date, local input rather than fear or denial.

It is also worth noting that many parts of the Middle East are safer for visitors than their media portrayal suggests. Major urban centers in Israel often have lower rates of violent crime than large Western cities. That does not mean complacency—but it does challenge assumptions.

The Emotional Safety Question

For the Spiritual traveler—the one who is rooted in faith yet open to interspiritual encounter—the safety question is not only physical. It is emotional and spiritual. You may wonder: Will I feel overwhelmed? Will the tension be heavy? Will I feel conflicted?

The Holy Land is complex. You will hear narratives that challenge you. You will meet people whose experiences differ. You may feel grief alongside beauty.

But complexity is not danger. It is depth.

When guided well, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land becomes an opportunity to hold multiple truths with compassion. You are not asked to solve the region’s politics. You are invited to witness humanity. This requires cultural humility. It requires listening more than declaring. It requires remembering that you are entering a land sacred to many. Paradoxically, travelers who approach with humility often report feeling safer—because humility fosters relationship, and relationship fosters trust.

What Increases Safety in Holy Land Travel and Tours

Instead of offering a checklist, let’s speak plainly.

Safety increases when:

You travel with experienced local guides rather than navigating independently in unfamiliar regions.
You stay in well-established accommodations that are accustomed to international guests.
You follow real-time guidance rather than rigidly clinging to a fixed itinerary.
You avoid protest zones or politically charged gatherings.
You stay informed without being consumed by sensationalism.
You travel in community.

Pilgrimage has always been communal for a reason. There is wisdom in walking together.

When It May Not Be the Right Time

There are seasons when postponement is wise. If there is active, widespread escalation across multiple regions. If flights are severely disrupted. If local partners advise against arrival. In those moments, integrity requires patience. A responsible spiritual travel organization does not push forward to meet a sales target. It listens to the land.

We have seen seasons when travel paused entirely. And we have seen seasons when travel resumed with meaningful, peaceful, deeply transformative experiences. Discernment is ongoing.

Media Narratives and the Human Face

One of the most grounding realities for travelers is discovering how different lived experience feels from the media narrative.

News cycles are built around urgency and contrast. Daily life is built around routine and relationship.

On a single day, you might:

Share tea with a Palestinian Christian family in Bethlehem.
Walk the Sea of Galilee at dawn.
Sit in dialogue with an Israeli Jewish educator.
Listen to the Muslim call to prayer in Jerusalem’s Old City.

None of this erases tension. But it reveals something larger: ordinary human life continues. Travelers often return saying, “It wasn’t what I expected.” Not because conflict is imaginary—but because humanity was louder than fear.

Is Travel to Israel Safe for a Christian Holy Land Tour?

Many specifically search for “is travel to Israel safe” in the context of a Christian Holy Land tour.

Christian pilgrimage has been happening here for nearly two millennia. Even in eras of political complexity, pilgrims have continued to come. Christian communities still live in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and beyond. Churches remain active. Worship continues daily.

Safety in this context is shaped by itinerary design. Reputable Christian holy land tours focus on stable regions, reputable transport providers, and well-established hospitality partners. What matters most is not simply that a tour exists—but that it is grounded in relationship, transparency, and ongoing local communication.

A Different Kind of Security

There is another dimension rarely discussed: the interior posture you bring. Fear magnifies vulnerability. Presence sharpens awareness. A spiritually grounded traveler is not naive. You pay attention. You follow guidance. You remain adaptable. But you also resist the temptation to let global anxiety dictate every decision. Pilgrimage has never been about comfort alone. It is about encounter. That does not mean recklessness. It means courage balanced with wisdom.

The Ethical Dimension

For some travelers, the safety question overlaps with an ethical one: Is it right to visit a region experiencing tension?

This is deeply personal. But many local communities—both Israeli and Palestinian—depend on responsible travel for economic sustainability. Ethical holy land travel and tours can support small businesses, artisans, guesthouses, guides, and nonprofits. Travel done humbly can be a form of solidarity rather than exploitation. The key is how you travel. Are you consuming a destination? Or are you entering a relationship?

A Grounded Answer

So—is it safe to travel to the Holy Land now? The honest answer is: It depends on the moment, the region, and how you travel.

There are times when it is prudent and reasonably secure, especially when guided well. There are times when it is wise to wait.

It is not universally unsafe.

It is not universally carefree. It is nuanced.

And nuance requires discernment rather than fear.

For many who have chosen to go during stable windows, the experience has been profoundly moving, relationally rich, and deeply human. Not because risk vanished—but because it was responsibly managed.

Listening for the Invitation

If you feel a pull toward a trip to Israel or a broader pilgrimage to the Holy Land, sit with it. Ask questions. Review current Israel travel advisory updates from multiple sources. Speak with organizations that operate transparently.

Listen for whether your desire is rooted in curiosity and reverence—or in urgency and impulse. Sacred travel has always required discernment. At Holy Land 360, we believe in honest conversation before booking forms. We believe in real-time updates. We believe in collaboration with trusted local partners. And we believe that when conditions are right, pilgrimage can be one of the most transformative journeys of a lifetime. If you’re discerning whether now is the right time for you, we’re here to offer thoughtful spiritual travel consultation and help facilitate responsible holy land travel and tours when the timing aligns.

Sacred Travel vs. Religious Tourism: What’s the Difference—and Why It Matters

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:57:22 GMT

Not all spiritual travel is created equal.

There’s a growing hunger among travelers for experiences that go deeper than sightseeing, deeper even than inspiration. People are no longer satisfied with simply seeing sacred places. They want to enter them—emotionally, spiritually, ethically. They want travel that changes them.

Yet much of what’s marketed as “spiritual” travel today is still rooted in the logic of tourism: itineraries packed tight, landmarks checked off, moments consumed quickly and documented endlessly. It can be beautiful, informative, even moving—but it rarely transforms.

This is where the distinction between religious tourism and sacred travel matters.

Understanding the difference helps clarify not only how we travel, but why. It shapes the kind of encounters we have, the depth of meaning we carry home, and whether a journey becomes a memory—or a turning point.

What Is Religious Tourism?

Religious tourism is, at its core, a form of sightseeing. It focuses on visiting places associated with faith traditions—churches, temples, mosques, shrines, holy cities—often for educational, cultural, or devotional reasons.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this. Religious tourism can deepen historical understanding, strengthen faith identity, and foster appreciation for sacred architecture and ritual. For many travelers, especially those new to spiritual travel, it serves as a valuable entry point.

But religious tourism usually treats sacred sites as objects to be visited rather than spaces to be entered .

The pace is often fast. The lens is often external. The emphasis is on explanation, not encounter. A guide tells the story; the traveler listens. Photos are taken. Notes are made. Then the group moves on.

Even when the content is profound, the structure rarely invites inward reflection or sustained presence. The experience happens around you, not through you.

What Is Sacred Travel?

Sacred travel begins from a different premise entirely.

It assumes that certain places are not just historically important or symbolically meaningful, but alive—carrying layers of memory, story, suffering, devotion, and hope that continue to shape human experience. These places ask something of us. Attention. Humility. Responsibility.

Sacred travel is less concerned with how much you see and more concerned with how you see .

Rather than approaching a site as a destination, sacred travel approaches it as a relationship. It slows the pace. It makes room for silence. It invites listening—not only to guides or teachers, but to the place itself, to the people who live there now, and to what stirs internally as you encounter it.

This is why sacred travel often feels less like a vacation and more like a sacred journey —one that unfolds both outwardly and inwardly at the same time.

The Difference Between a Tour and a Pilgrimage

One of the clearest ways to understand sacred travel is to revisit the idea of pilgrimage .

A pilgrimage is not defined by distance or destination. It is defined by intention.

Historically, a pilgrimage to the holy land—or to any spiritual destination—was never just about arriving somewhere holy. It was about becoming someone different along the way. The journey itself was formative. Hardship, encounter, reflection, and vulnerability were all part of the process.

Modern religious tourism often keeps the destination but removes the transformation.

Sacred travel restores it.

A pilgrimage asks:

What am I being invited to see differently?
What assumptions might be challenged here?
What responsibility comes with walking on this ground?
How does this place call me into deeper awareness of myself and others?

In this sense, pilgrimage is not nostalgia. It’s a living practice—one that can still shape how we understand faith, identity, justice, and belonging in the world today.

Why Depth Matters More Than Ever

We live in an age of acceleration. Information is instant. Images are endless. Experiences are compressed into highlights and hashtags.

Spiritual travel, when done shallowly, becomes just another form of consumption.

But many travelers—especially those drawn to spiritual destinations—are actively resisting this pattern. They are looking for depth, not novelty. Meaning, not volume. They want travel that helps them integrate what they believe with how they live.

This is especially true for those exploring interspirituality —people who may be rooted in a particular faith tradition yet feel called to learn from others, to listen across difference, and to hold complexity without collapsing into relativism.

For these travelers, sacred travel is not about “sampling” religions. It’s about cultivating presence, humility, and discernment in places where multiple truths and histories intersect.

Depth matters because sacred places are rarely simple.

Sacred Places Are Not Neutral

One of the most significant differences between sacred travel and religious tourism is how each relates to context.

Religious tourism often abstracts sacred sites from their present-day realities. A church is visited without acknowledging the community that sustains it. A holy city is admired without grappling with the tensions that shape daily life there.

Sacred travel refuses to separate spirituality from lived experience.

It recognizes that many sacred places—especially in regions like the Middle East—are also places of conflict, resilience, displacement, and hope. To walk these lands without listening to contemporary voices is to encounter only part of the truth.

For the spiritual traveler, this raises important questions:

Who lives here now?
Whose stories are told—and whose are missing?
How do history and present reality speak to each other?
What does reverence look like in a living, breathing community?

Sacred travel does not offer easy answers, but it does insist on honest engagement.

Presence Over Performance

Another quiet shift that defines sacred travel is the movement from performance to presence.

Religious tourism often encourages performance—of devotion, of knowledge, of identity. There’s an unspoken pressure to feel something, to have a dramatic spiritual moment, to return home with a story that proves the trip mattered.

Sacred travel loosens that grip.

It allows meaning to emerge slowly. It accepts ambiguity. It honors moments of confusion or discomfort as part of the journey. Sometimes the most transformative experiences are quiet ones: a conversation over tea, a shared silence, a realization that unsettles rather than affirms.

For many, this is where real inner change begins—not in emotional highs, but in sustained attention.

The Role of Responsibility in Sacred Travel

Sacred travel also introduces a dimension that religious tourism often avoids: responsibility.

When you step into a sacred place with awareness, you are no longer just a visitor. You become a participant in a story that is still unfolding.

This might mean:

Traveling in ways that support local communities rather than extract from them
Listening to perspectives that challenge your own worldview
Holding space for grief, injustice, or unresolved tension without turning away
Letting the journey inform how you live once you return home

A meaningful spiritual journey doesn’t end at the airport. It echoes into daily life—into how you relate, vote, give, forgive, and pay attention.

This is why sacred travel is not escapism. It is engagement.

Who Is Sacred Travel For?

Sacred travel tends to resonate with people who are already asking deeper questions.

The spiritual traveler is often someone who:

Feels spiritually alive but not spiritually finished
Is comfortable with mystery and paradox
Values authenticity over certainty
Seeks connection rather than confirmation
Wants travel to be formative, not just memorable

This doesn’t require abandoning one’s faith. In fact, sacred travel often deepens faith by stripping away assumptions and inviting more grounded, embodied understanding.

It is not about becoming less rooted—it’s about becoming more real.

Why the Distinction Matters

The difference between sacred travel and religious tourism is not semantic. It shapes the entire experience.

One treats sacred places as stops on an itinerary.

The other treats them as teachers.

One prioritizes efficiency.
The other prioritizes presence.

One asks, “What will I see?”
The other asks, “Who might I become?”

For those considering a pilgrimage to the holy land or other spiritual destinations, this distinction can mean the difference between inspiration that fades and insight that endures.

Traveling With Intention

Sacred travel doesn’t happen by accident. It requires thoughtful design, experienced facilitation, and a willingness to slow down.

It benefits from guides who understand not only history and theology, but human complexity. From itineraries that leave space for reflection. From partnerships rooted in respect for local communities and lived realities.

Most of all, it requires travelers who are willing to show up—not as consumers of spirituality, but as participants in a shared human story.

That is the heart of sacred travel.

Holy Land 360 helps spiritual travelers move beyond tourism into truly meaningful journeys. Through thoughtful consultation and carefully designed pilgrimages, we support travelers seeking depth, presence, and responsible engagement with sacred places. If you’re exploring what meaningful spiritual travel could look like for you, we’re here to help guide the way .

What Is Interspirituality—and Why So Many Spiritual Travelers Are Drawn to It Now

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:49:13 GMT

What is INTERSPIRITUALITY?

There’s a quiet but unmistakable shift happening among spiritually curious people today. Many still feel rooted in a particular faith tradition—often Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or Islam—yet no longer feel fully at home inside a single religious box. They aren’t abandoning belief. They’re deepening it. They’re asking better questions. And they’re discovering a word that finally names what they’ve been experiencing: interspirituality .

If that word makes you curious—or uneasy—you’re not alone. For some, interspirituality sounds like a blending that dilutes truth. For others, it feels like a lifeline: a way to honor one’s faith while learning from the wisdom of others. This tension is exactly why the idea resonates so strongly right now, especially among those drawn to pilgrimage, sacred journey, and spiritual travel.

Let’s talk plainly about what interspirituality is, what it isn’t, and why it has become so compelling for today’s spiritual traveler.

A Simple Way to Understand Interspirituality

At its core, interspirituality is about deep listening across spiritual traditions without abandoning one’s own roots . It’s not a new religion. It’s not a theological free-for-all. And it’s not about flattening all beliefs into “everything is the same.”

Interspirituality starts with a humble recognition: that the Divine, the Sacred, or Ultimate Reality is larger than any single tradition’s language or symbols. Different faiths have developed distinct ways of encountering and responding to that Sacred Mystery. Interspirituality invites us to learn from those encounters while remaining honest about where we stand.

Think of it less as mixing religions and more as standing firmly in your own soil while allowing your branches to grow outward .

This approach has been quietly practiced for decades by contemplatives, monks, mystics, and spiritual teachers. Figures like Thomas Merton, who remained deeply Christian while engaging Buddhist thought, or Richard Rohr, who speaks of universal patterns of transformation rooted in Christian mysticism, helped lay the groundwork. Interspirituality simply gives language to a posture many seekers already live.

Interspirituality vs. Interfaith: A Crucial Distinction

One common question is how interspirituality differs from interfaith dialogue. They’re related, but not the same.

Interfaith engagement typically happens at the level of belief systems, doctrines, and institutional relationships . It focuses on mutual respect, coexistence, and cooperation between religions—often in social, political, or academic contexts.

Interspirituality, on the other hand, moves inward. It lives at the level of spiritual experience and practice . It asks questions like: How do different traditions pray? How do they approach silence, suffering, forgiveness, or awakening? What happens when I witness another tradition’s way of encountering God—or the Holy—without needing to explain it away?

For the spiritual traveler, this distinction matters. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, for example, can be interfaith in context—multiple religions sharing sacred space—but interspiritual in impact, awakening something personal and transformative within the pilgrim.

Why Interspirituality Resonates Right Now

So why now? Why does this language feel timely, even necessary?

First, many people are experiencing spiritual fatigue with rigid answers . They’ve inherited beliefs that once brought comfort but now feel incomplete in a complex, interconnected world. They aren’t rejecting faith; they’re rejecting oversimplification.

Second, global access has changed everything. Spiritual destinations that once felt distant— Jerusalem , Varanasi, Ladakh , Assisi—are now reachable. When you stand in places layered with centuries of prayer, something shifts. It becomes harder to dismiss other traditions as irrelevant or misguided when you see the depth of devotion lived out in real human lives.

Third, there’s a growing hunger for experience over explanation . Many spiritual travelers want less debate and more encounter. They’re drawn to spiritual tours that offer silence, ritual, walking, and reflection rather than lectures alone. Interspirituality meets this hunger by honoring lived wisdom.

And finally, there’s a quiet maturity emerging among seekers. A sense that faith strong enough to last doesn’t need to be fragile. It can listen without fear.

The Big Fear: “Will I Lose My Faith?”

This is the question that sits beneath many conversations about interspirituality, especially for Christians and Jews who feel deeply connected to their tradition.

The honest answer? Only if your faith depends on not being questioned.

Interspirituality doesn’t ask you to stop believing what you believe. It asks you to notice what happens when you encounter God—or the Sacred—through unfamiliar forms. For many, this actually strengthens their faith. They return to their own scriptures and rituals with fresh eyes, deeper humility, and renewed gratitude.

A Christian walking the Via Dolorosa alongside Jewish and Muslim neighbors doesn’t become “less Christian.” Often, they become more aware of the radical depth of Jesus’ context. A Jewish traveler hearing Buddhist teachings on compassion doesn’t abandon Torah; they may rediscover its ethical power with new resonance.

Interspirituality is not relativism. It doesn’t say all paths are identical. It says truth is generous enough to be approached from multiple directions .

What Interspirituality Is Not

It’s worth being clear about what interspirituality does not ask of you.
It does not require you to abandon your theology.
It does not erase meaningful differences between traditions.
It does not reduce spirituality to vague positivity.
It does not replace commitment with curiosity alone.

In fact, shallow engagement is the opposite of interspirituality. This path asks for depth, humility, and patience . It honors difference without needing to conquer it.

For the spiritual traveler, this means resisting the urge to “collect” experiences like souvenirs. A sacred journey isn’t about sampling rituals for novelty. It’s about allowing place, people, and practice to work on you—sometimes uncomfortably.

Interspirituality and Pilgrimage: A Natural Pairing

Pilgrimage has always been interspiritual in practice, even when it wasn’t named as such. Sacred sites are rarely owned by a single story. Jerusalem alone holds layered meanings for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, each carrying centuries of devotion, suffering, and hope.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land inevitably confronts travelers with complexity. You walk streets sacred to multiple traditions. You hear prayers in different languages. You encounter faith expressed in unfamiliar ways. Interspirituality offers a way to stay present rather than defensive.

Instead of asking, “Which tradition is right?” pilgrims begin asking, “What is being revealed here?” That shift—from argument to attention—is often where transformation happens.

This is why so many spiritual travelers today are drawn to journeys that don’t promise certainty but invite presence .

Who Interspirituality Speaks To

Interspirituality especially resonates with people who might feel caught between worlds:

Those who love their faith tradition but feel constrained by its institutional expressions
Those who have outgrown literalism but haven’t lost reverence
Those who sense that God is larger than the categories they were given
Those drawn to spiritual tours that emphasize encounter, reflection, and lived wisdom

For the spiritual traveler, this isn’t about rebellion. It’s about integration. It’s about bringing together head and heart, belief and experience, devotion and curiosity.

Traveling as a Spiritual Practice

One of the most overlooked aspects of spiritual travel is how it mirrors inner transformation. Leaving home disrupts routine. Sacred destinations slow you down. Walking ancient paths humbles you. Encountering difference reveals your assumptions.

Interspirituality frames travel itself as a teacher. It encourages listening—to the land, to the stories of others, and to what stirs within you. A sacred journey becomes less about answers and more about becoming the kind of person who can live with mystery .

This is why thoughtfully guided travel matters. Without intention, spiritual destinations can become just another backdrop. With care, they become mirrors.

A Deeper Way Forward

Interspirituality isn’t a trend. It’s a response to a world where spiritual maturity requires both conviction and compassion. It doesn’t replace faith; it refines it. It doesn’t erase difference; it teaches us how to live with it wisely.

For many spiritual travelers, this path feels less like choosing something new and more like finally naming what has been quietly unfolding within them for years.

If you’ve felt drawn to sacred places, to conversations across traditions, or to a spirituality that can hold both roots and openness, you’re not alone—and you’re not lost. You may simply be walking an interspiritual path.

Holy Land 360 offers spiritual travel consultation and thoughtfully guided journeys for those seeking depth, context, and transformation—helping you discern and book experiences that honor both your faith and your curiosity.

Meet Father Dean

Tue, 09 May 2023 19:41:56 GMT

meet father dean

We are thrilled to have Father Dean Probst from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church joining us on our August Catholic Pilgrimage . He will be providing daily mass and other services throughout the journey. Father Dean is no stranger to the Holy Land, having visited several times before. We are confident that he will bring a unique perspective to our experience and we look forward to his guidance.

Father Deans Bio: I will become pastor emeritus of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish , Newton, Illinois and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish , Sainte Marie, Illinois on July 1, 2023 while retaining my duties as Diocesan Judge on the Tribunal of Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. I have served as pastor the past seven years of these two parishes, along with serving as the Vicar Forane of the former Effingham Deanery and temporary administrator of St. Anthony of Padua parish in Effingham, IL for a brief period. I was ordained in 1981 for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois by Bishop Joseph McNicholas, (deceased), and has been assigned to St. Charles Parish, Charleston, Illinois and Co-Chaplain of Eastern Illinois University Newman Community 1981-1986; St. Bernard Parish, Wood River, IL 1986-1990; St. Jerome Church, Troy, IL 1990-1996; SS. Mary and Joseph Church, Carlinville, IL 1990-2006; St. Jude Parish, Rochester, IL 2006-2016.

A 1974 graduate of the University of Illinois with a BA in Liberal Arts and a 1975 graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a BS in Business, I worked as an accountant before entering the seminary in 1976. I received his Masters of Divinity Degree in 1981 from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, MO. I completed the Jurisprudence in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in 2006.

I grew us in a small rural town of 600 population in Dieterich, Illinois, and graduated from Dieterich Grade and High School. I am the first son and third child of five of the “late” Raymond “Bud” and Gertrude Probst. I have two older sisters, a twin sister and a much younger brother. My father was a licensed plumber and electrician and has his own business with three employees, while my mother was the administrator of the business and our appliance store.

“What goes around, comes around!” I went to a vocations extravaganza by the Sacred Heart Fathers in Sainte Marie when I was in the 5th grade; and was taught Saturday religious classes by Dominican Sisters from Newton, IL. My last official assignment was an appointment to the two parishes in those towns.

I have traveled much, touring most of Europe; China, Turkey, and Israel in Asia; and Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco in Africa, along with cruise to Panama Canal with stops at various South American countries. I have been to Guatemala, Mexico, and Canada and have traveled to all 50 states of the U.S.A.

I enjoy sports and playing cards. I play racquetball regularly with a friend (former parishioner) whom I baptized 15 years ago. My favorite non-religious movie is “Ordinary People”, the book “A Catcher in the Rye,” and the song “Unchained Melody”. I am a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees baseball team. Religiously, of course, the best book is the Bible, the movie, “Jesus of Nazareth,” and the song “We Belong to You, O Lord of our longing.”

My Favorite Scripture is a combination from the Gospel of John: The prologue, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. The word became flesh and dwelt among us… 3:16, God so loved the world that He sent forth His only begotten Son… 6:48 (Jesus said) I am the bread of life…. 6:54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”

This will be my sixth trip to the Holy Land, and I look forward to praying and experiencing the Scriptures with you in these Holy places of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Seven Spiritual Sites You Must Visit on Your Israel Pilgrimage

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:50:17 GMT

Seven Spiritual Sites You Must Visit on your Israel Pilgrimage

A spiritual traveler's tour of Israel is a journey that thousands of people make every year. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For Christians, a journey to Israel allows them to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Muslims can trace the prophet Muhammad's journey across the region. And Jews can visit sites that have been integral to their history and culture for centuries. No matter what your faith, there are plenty of spiritual sites throughout the country that are worth visiting. And while there are countless amazing places to see and things to do, for pilgrims, the focus is often on the holy sites in Israel. Here are seven of the most popular holy sites to visit on your pilgrimage to Israel.

The Western Wall and Temple Mount

One of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Israel is the Western Wall , which is also known as the Wailing Wall. This is a sacred site for Jews as it is the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The wall is Judaism's holiest site, and people from all over the world come to pray here. Non-Jews are welcome to visit as well, but should be respectful of those who are praying.

Just above the Western Wall is the Temple Mount , which was the site of both the First and Second Temples. Today, it is home to the Dome of the Rock, a beautiful Islamic shrine that dates back to 691 CE. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Dome of ROCK or Al-Aqsa Mosque, but you can admire them from outside.

The Church of Nativity

One of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites is Bethlehem's Church of Nativity, which marks the traditional spot where Jesus was born. The current church was built in 327 CE by Constantine's mother, Helena, but it has been renovated many times over the centuries. Even if you're not Christian, this church is definitely worth a visit for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and intricately carved marble screens. Just be prepared for large crowds—the Church of Nativity receives thousands of visitors every day during peak tourist season!

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor is an important site for Christians as it is believed to be where Jesus was transfigured—that is, transformed into his divine state—in front of Moses and Elijah ( Mark 9:2-8). The mountaintop also has a long history predating Christianity; it was an important strategic point in ancient times and has been inhabited since at least Bronze Age. Today, you can visit the remains of an early Christian monastery as well as a 12th-century Crusader fortress when you make your way up Mount Tabor.

The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee holds tremendous significance for Christians as it was here that Jesus performed many miracles, including walking on water and feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). It's also where Jesus called his Apostles to follow him (Mark 1:16-20). Plus, numerous other significant events in early Christianity took place around this body water including Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). No pilgrimage to Israel would be complete without paying a visit to this special place.

Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi is an ancient city located at the base of Mount Hermon in northern Israel. In biblical times it was known as Caesarea Philippi and was considered a place of great evil because it was here that people worshiped pagan gods such as Baal and Dagon. However, it was also here that Jesus asked his disciples who people said he was, and Peter made his famous declaration that "Jesus is Lord." Today, visitors can see ruins from both Roman and Crusader times.

Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives is a holy site in Jerusalem with deep spiritual significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. It has been used as a burial ground since ancient times and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible—most notably when Jesus wept over Jerusalem during his last journey to the holy city (Luke 19:37-44). The Mount of Olives is also the site of some of Jesus' most famous miracles, including his ascent to heaven (Acts 1:9-12.) Today, visitors can explore holy sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, as well as stunning views of the Old City from the mountaintop. It is an unforgettable experience for spiritual travelers.

With such a rich array of holy sites in Israel, spiritual travelers can explore a range of religious and historical locations that are sure to enlighten and educate. Whether you're a pilgrim, traveler, or curious observer – holy sites in Israel have something for everyone! So plan your journey today and witness the incredible spiritual sites of this holy land.

Did Someone Say Saudi Arabia?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:57:54 GMT

Did someone say Saudi Arabia?

Holy Land 360 is exploring the possibility of providing holy land trips to Saudia Arabia.

Did you say Saudi Arabia?

Yes... I did!

Israel/Palestine, as we know, is predominantly recognized for its amazing holy land sites and pilgrimages. But, of course, there are other sites throughout the world that are considered "Holy" by Christians and other faiths. It could be argued that any place were we acknowledge the divine is "Holy," as God is everywhere . That said, more traditional places throughout the world abound, with one being Jebal Maqla in Saudi Arabia , considered by some to be the location of Mount Sinai. Local Bedouins call Jebal Musa (Moses' mountain) and have carefully preserved these locations over many generations.

With Saudia Arabia now opening up for tourism, local guides have reached out to me to consider a partnership to help facilitate tours in this area. Intrigued but cautious, I had multiple questions I know many of you (myself included) would want to know before even considering traveling to this mysterious land. Fortunately, they provided some answers the questions and concerns I had that I hope will shed some light for all of us.

What do COVID 19 protocols look like for travelers to Saudi Arabia?
Right now, you must have a government-approved covid vaccine. The requirements appear to be similar to most countries now allowing international travelers' entry. The regulations can be found on the official Saudia Arabia travel website .

How reputable and experienced are the tour guides?
The guides are from Australia and have facilitated numerous tours for many years. They are now leading official government-approved tours in and around Jebal Maqla.

What are the trips like?
There are currently two options. There is a VIP tour where people can stay in nice hotels in Tabuk . The other option is called the Bedouin tour, where you camp in tents near the heritage sites. All food is included. There is a combination of camp and local food. Most of the food is either catered from Tabuk or cooked at a fire on site.

Is the claim Mount Sinai is located in Saudi Arabia legit?
There are several proposed locations for Mount Sinai, most notably the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. That said, other sites have been proposed, with a number of them located in Saudia Arabia. There is ample evidence that would suggest this but certainly not proven.

Propsed locations of Mount Sinai - Wikipedia

What can a female tourist expect? Should they be concerned?
It is overwhelmingly safe for women, with the rights for women growing. Since this is in a very conservative Bedouin area, all tourists (men and women) should dress modestly. There are no specific laws on how to dress, but scantily clad clothing should be avoided. Swimwear and bikinis can be worn at the beach.

Is it Safe?
Saudi is very safe. The Northern border is one of the safest places in the region as the countries that border this area are all very peaceful. The Yemen border area is not safe and should be avoided.

So there you have it. This hopefully provides some initial clarification on what a tour to Saudi would look like. Still, I have more questions, and I'm by no means comfortable sending travelers to this area without some first-hand knowledge. This leads me to the question...

Who wants to go to Saudi?

I'm considering taking the Bedouin tour and bringing some adventurous friends with me as sort of an expedition or trial run - exploring regions very few westerners have experienced. I don't know about you, but it sounds pretty exciting and sure beats COVID lockdowns for the last 18 months! If you're interested in learning more, feel free to give me a shout.