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ISRAEL -- Most people celebrating the New Year are typically with family and friends. But not Fr. Peter Rettig of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and St. Jude Thaddeus Church. Fr. Rettig was able to enjoy a special experience. He took a trip to Israel, something many believers would love to do in their lifetime.
"It was a humbling experience," Fr. Rettig said. "And profound for my prayer life because everything in the Gospels came alive."
It was a long time coming. The trip, sponsored by Mount Saint Mary's Seminary, was postponed for two years due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The third time was the charm. When Fr. Rettig got the call to visit the Holy Land, he was more than ready.
"I was so eager to walk the places that Jesus walked, taught and healed," he said.
It was a two week trip from December 31 to January 14. During his time in Israel, Fr. Rettig got to witness a lot of history. Some of those special moments came from being able to pray along the Sea of Galilee, which is featured throughout the Holy Bible. It was the site where Jesus spent most of his time teaching to his followers.
Many miracles were also performed there,such as when Christ walked on water and the calming of the storm.
Another big moment was getting to see Jerusalem, and the Cenacle, where many believe Jesus and his Disciples held the Last Supper.
Fr. Rettig is forever grateful for his experiences.
"My two favorite places were the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem," Fr. Rettig said. "In Galilee, the town of Capernaum gave me a better context of where Jesus did his public ministry."