35 Indian Priests Undertake Holy Land Pilgrimage After Jubilee Retreat

JERUSALEM, October 26, 2026: Thirty-five priests celebrating 25 to 40 years of ministry undertook a pilgrimage to sacred sites in Jordan, Palestine and Israel from October 19 to 27, following a six-day retreat in Bengaluru.

Organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious, the pilgrimage brought together 40 participants from dioceses and religious congregations across India. It followed the Silver and Ruby Jubilee Priests’ Retreat held in Bengaluru from October 13 to 18.

The priests visited 28 biblical sites associated with the life, ministry, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The programme combined Scripture-based reflections, prayer and Eucharistic celebrations at significant locations.

Among the sites visited were Mount Nebo in Jordan, the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, St Peter’s House Chapel in Capernaum, Mount Carmel in Haifa, the Shepherds’ Field Chapel in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

For almost all the participants, it was their first visit to the Holy Land. The journey offered them an opportunity to reflect on their years of ministry and renew their commitment to priestly service.

The commission organises the annual initiative as a programme of spiritual renewal and recognition of priests’ long-standing service to the Church. Dioceses and religious congregations provide partial or full financial support to participants.

Fr Charles Leon, secretary of the commission, coordinated the pilgrimage with Mangalam Travels and Tours, Chennai.

The participants are expected to return to their respective dioceses and congregations with renewed spiritual commitment following the retreat and pilgrimage.

By Catholic Connect Reporter