Access to the Land -- Fulfillment of the Dream

- Donald Senior, C.P., Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL

The grateful and enthusiastic reactions of those who made our fourth STAUROS/CTU Israel Bible Study tour are very similar to the kind of reactions I have heard over the past twenty-five years when Christians return from this fascinating land of the Bible. And that more than anything else, I think, is the greatest accomplishment of our program--the simple fact that the wonderful group of people who toiled and strained to accomplish this trip have the same right to travel in the Holy Land and to be enthralled with what they experience as any able bodied person who is fortunate enough to have this opportunity.

The Holy Land is full of boundaries and barriers; heavily guarded frontiers between Israel and its neighbors; culture and religious frontiers among Jew, Muslim and Christian; boundaries and barriers dividing various groups and factions of Christians--Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical; and the age old barriers thrown up by a rugged, mountainous landscape and by buildings and stepped streets designed long before accessibility was an issue.

Crossing those boundaries has always taken a lot of determination and courage on the part of pilgrims to this land who come seeking a renewal of their faith. Our band of pilgrims brought along an extra share of commitment and a lot of experience in crossing boundaries.

Cross them we did, often to the amazement of those who watched us. We discovered some surprises along the way, for example, the Muslims have built a wonderful ramp to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem while the beautiful basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth still remains inaccessible, and we had the joy of meeting many Jews and Palestinians who were deeply interested in and even inspired by our quest for access.

We go to Israel to demonstrate that access and inclusion are Gospel values, rooted in our biblical heritage and integral to Christian life. In gaining access to the land of the Bible and the land of Jesus, we desire to witness that all of God's children everywhere should have access to the full life God has promised us.

- Carol Ann Redmond, Hatboro, PA Attendant

I have dreamed that I would walk on the ground where Jesus lived, but I was never sure I would. Only by the grace of God was this dream fulfilled. How blessed I am because of this gift. I walked, ate, laughed, cried and joyfully sang with Jesus in each of the 36 brothers and sisters I was with on this journey through the life of our brother, Jesus. The staff is truly a living example of what EUCHARIST is really about. They are in my prayers as I ask God to provide the needs to continue this wonderful program for disabled and able-bodied people who love the Lord.

- Lois Sanford, Forestdale, MA Person with a disability

The healing I experienced on this trip was deep and, I hope, lasting. I have always had some level of denial ranging from total denial earlier in my life to being progressively more accepting. But I have not felt it was okay to be and to have what I have. I felt it was not okay to not be perfect, and that had many ramifications. So the healing, and feeling the love of each one, and the knowing that we were all okay and were gifts to each other was so tremendous that I have no adequate words to express it. The love and acceptance was a healing experience. Each one of our group was a gift to me. I love them all; we are friends for life.

- Dorothy Smith, Little Falls MN Person with a disability

My reflection on the visit to the Holy Land: learning, caring and sharing! Learning from Fr. Don (who made) the land and Bible stories become "real." Each of us, in his or her own way, arrived at this moment of truth. Mine came while sitting on a log during the liturgy at Tabgha, with the soft breeze off the Sea of Galilee soughing through the leaves overhead. The loving care extended to those with disabilities by their companions and the staff despite difficulties. We arrived in Israel, for the most part, two by two. We left as a family of 37. We shared our thoughts, our expectations, our helping hands, our delight in and for each other. It is something I will carry in my heart forever--some- thing I cannot say of any other tour I have taken.

- Carla Przybilla, Middleburg, VA Person with a disability

This program was one of the greatest religious experiences of my life. The Old and New Testament came alive for me. The God of Israel and Jesus Christ were very real and present to me. Don Senior, CP, gave such powerful explanations and interpretations of the Sacred Scriptures.

- Liz Hanks, Muncie, IN Attendant

I came closer to Jesus in Israel, especially on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. I saw with His eyes, and I will forever have the visual connection of His travels as I read the Scriptures. I felt like a disciple as we brought to Him those who could not come on their own, and I was astounded at the number of hearts that were touched by our group. For me, the trip was a wonderful experience of service, of love, of witness and of presence. I feel so grateful. Thank you, dear and loving Lord, for the chance to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly.

- JoAnn Bayer, Springfield, IL Person with a disability

It is because of the generosity and kindness of the staff and the companions, that for the people with disabilities, even disabilities as severe as mine, impossible dreams become a reality for us.

- Rainey Fahey, St. Louis MO Person with a disability

This trip was truly "a glimpse of heaven." We laughed and cried together, the 37 of us. Words are inadequate to describe the awe we felt. I only know that whether our feet "rolled" or walked, what our eyes saw and what our ears heard, what our hands touched, what our hearts embraced--profoundly bonded us to our God and to each other. It reminds me of St. Paul's words, "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can we even imagine what God has in store..." All Paul is really saying is, "You ain't seen nothin' yet! Well, Paul, guess what! We got a glimpse!

- Rev. Paul Niemann St. Louis, MO, Attendant

As one who never thought that visiting the holy land was important, I'm amazed at how attached I feel to Israel, especially Capharnaum and Jerusalem. Being there with such faith-filled people and such a knowledgeable guide made it a fantastic experience.

- Susan DiBona, Drexel Hill, PA Attendant

The Holy Land visit provided a source of great inspiration and strength. I will never forget the beauty and special significance that the sites held for me personally.

- Shawn Tracy, OSA, Villanova, PA Attendant

Stauros reminds me of a "way of life". We take these journeys hoping that the Lord may speak to us. And in that effort we learn something about who we are, and what life is about! "The Lord takes delight in us and in our joy!"

- Celia Nieman, Little Falls, MN Attendant

This was a learning experience of the land of Israel. To be in the land where Jesus did his teaching was very emotional, exciting and fulfilling for me.

- RoseAnn Tranchitella, Philadelphia, PA Person with a disability

My trip to Israel was an unexpected thrill. Friends from the Philadelphia HEC Community suggested that I go. Now, when I go to Mass, read the Bible, I feel very gifted to know that I walked the steps of Jesus, on the paths of the Holy Land. I relive the wonderful memories of beautiful Israel, of being with a unique group of people.

- Mary Beth Appel, Philadelphia, PA Attendant

This trip opened my eyes and heart to scripture in a new, deeper way. The experience of building community with such a fine group of people was wonderful. Don Senior made the history, geography, archeology, and scripture come alive. My partner, JoAnn, and I had much fun and many laughs as well as a few tears.

- Sr. Gerald Gaynor, OSF; Oldenburg, IN, Attendant

Israel, the land of our Lord! This tiny country, holy to many different cultures and religious groups, was awesome! Being in the land where Jesus walked, visiting the villages and cities of the Bible, celebrating 50 years as an Oldenburg Franciscan--this ALL was happening to me in '95. I had many emotional moments. There were many situations where I especially felt the presence of Jesus.

- Lois Carlino, Punxsutawney, PA Person with a disability

When I think of this trip I picture the many people of the group, helpers, persons with disabilities, staff, who became dear friends in a short time. To watch the helpers caring for their special charges, caring for their wants and comfort. There was always someone there to help. The sense of enjoyment and happiness that permeated the whole group. They will always be in my prayers as I know I will be in theirs. We were so blessed to have Fr. Don as our leader. He is the best. His explanations helped make the events of the Bible begin to come alive. Being in the Holy Land makes the people and customs of Biblical times real.

- Jewel Shuey, Tariffville, CT Attendant with a disability

This trip/study tour to Israel was a dream come true. This is a country with so much diversity. To walk the narrow streets, the rough and difficult terrain; to talk to the people; to pray, worship and study where my Lord spent his time on earth; to make new friends; to know anything is possible with God's help. This tour of the Holy Land was a time of my journey of life that I will always remember.

- Debbie Longo, Littleton, CO Attendant

Nazareth, Kana, the Dead Sea and Rome become more alive with the community of Stauros. In Nazareth the liturgy in the church of the Annunciation was very moving. I was overwhelmed by the love and sacrifice Mary made for God by giving birth to Jesus, only to see her son crucified in the end, and still remain God's faithful servant. In Kana the renewal of our wedding vows was very special. At the Dead Sea I was thrilled and grateful that I could fulfill a lifelong dream of getting into the Dead Sea. In Rome at the church of St. Peter in Chains, I was awestruck when my husband and I were allowed to touch the masterpiece of Moses because someone was willing to ask for permission. The teamwork and love of the people are what made the trip so special.

- John Longo, Littleton, CO Person with a disability

When I reflect on my latest trip to Israel and Italy with Stauros, I realize that my lack of sight has not lessened my access to the Biblical sites and my appreciation of the native cultures in any significant manner. Here is what I mean. When we were entering the Damascus gate, the strong smell of cumin and saffron overwhelmed me. I wondered if these were the smells of first century Jerusalem, the time of Jesus and Paul. When I ate bread at the start of the Sabbath and when I drank wine from Kana, I fully tasted the rich Israeli and Palestinian cultures, and came to appreciate the goodness of the land. When I heard the Muslim minaret sound near the Dome of the Rock, and listened to the sounds of Christian hymns reverberate through the Church of St. Anne, I knew what it was like to be inspired by the music of two faiths. When I touched ancient, Roman aqueducts, statues and ruins, and when I gently felt renaissance art of Michelangelo in Rome, I knew that I held history in my hands. All of these sensations, however, were nothing in comparison to the tremendous love, dedication and sacrifice of those who made up the company of pilgrims, scholars and devotees of Stauros. For with each of them, I fully understood what it takes to be a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, for whom all of the love of the biblical lands dwells in our hearts.

- Judy Wolicki, LaGrange, IL Attendant

The "wholeness" of many of those who are burdened with physical disabilities was apparent every step of our way. My own broken and wounded spirit has been healed in many ways by being touched by Sue Ann Knight's indomitable zest for life, by her ability to laugh, and to make me laugh, by her willingness to serve and to be served, by her sensitivity to others' challenges and pain.

I can think of no better way to journey in the footsteps of our Lord than with those for whom each step is a struggle and each arrival a victory. My participation in this program is a gift and blessing that will be with me all my life.

- Edward Jefferson, Kentwood, MI Person with a disability

The highlight of my trip was in upper Galilee and on the Sea of Galilee. Much of the land in Israel is not developed. At the Mount of the Beatitudes it was easy to imagine Christ talking to the crowds spread out over the mountain side. Someone said that "If Jesus were to come to the Sea today, he would feel right at home."

When people think about going to Israel they often comment that they "want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus." My experience gave me a different perspective. I did not think about walking in the physical footsteps of Jesus. What I felt instead was a living, spiritual presence of being in a holy place. I now have a new dimension of faith. When I hear the stories of Jesus in Galilee I will remember what the land looked like. I will also remember the living spiritual presence that I felt. This is something I will have for the rest of my life.

- Carl Hund, CP, Citrus Heights, CA Staff

I found it very heartening that there are now so many persons with disabilities visiting the Holy Land as compared with our first trip in 1987. We originally set out to educate and break barriers of accessibility and we have accomplished our goals beyond belief.

- Larry Childers, Litchfield, IL Person with a disability.

I feel this trip is worthy of these words, "one small step for man--a leap for persons with disabilities."

- Margie Kernicky, Villanova, PA Person with a disability

In 1989 I was in awe of having the opportunity to make a journey to the land where Christianity began. During the six years since that first trip, I have read the scriptures and reflected on the "word" with greater enthusiasm and deeper fervor.

This second program was a much more fruitful pilgrimage for me. My capacity to absorb all that Fr. Don channeled to us was much greater and I was more receptive to the Spirit of God. I was enthralled with the diversity of the people and of the land. I don't think we can go back to the city of David, the city where Christ was born, too many times and not absorb and contemplate more of the mystery of Jesus.

Being with my friends from the Philadelphia Handicapped Encounter Christ community, and sharing this profound experience with them, with persons whom I deeply care about, certainly enriched me as a child of God. Our fellowship was strengthened far beyond my deepest expectations as we bonded with the rest of the Stauros Israel community.

We overcame many obstacles and tackled many barriers with an unflagging and spirited zest. We certainly lived up to the title of this unique program: Access to the Land. As we triumphed over one difficulty after another, I was reminded of and fondly recalled the oft-repeated words of Fr. Flavian Dougherty in 1989, "Margie, this is a piece of cake."

Now, after the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin, my heart is heavy as I know the suffering the people of Israel are experiencing. The tragic death of their leader who was striving for peace challenges all of us to love one another, to strive to bring justice and peace into our world.

- Sue Ann Knight, Jeffersonville, IN Person with a disability

This trip was the dream of a lifetime come true. My heart is still in Israel and I would go back tomorrow if I could. The day in the desert was breathtaking. I could truly see God talking to Moses, helping him out of Egypt and guiding him to the promised land.

I can't name a favorite place, I can only say that I loved the land where Jesus lived. I know I will keep my 36 new friends with whom I shared laughs, kindnesses and love in my heart forever.