Father Neil Dhabliwala, pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Dahlonega, celebrates Mass at the Dead Sea. Praying with him is Father Jacques Philippe, a priest of the Community of the Beatitudes.

ISRAEL—Father Neil Dhabliwala celebrated Mass overlooking the Dead Sea during a recent trip to the Holy Land.

It was a pilgrimage and a retreat to the Holy Land for the pastor of St. Luke Church, in Dahlonega, because he celebrated Mass at these sites linked to Jesus’ life. The experience was very moving and powerful, especially visiting the home of the Holy Family, he said. Father Dhabliwala said he prayed to “say yes to Christ in everything.”

He traveled with Father Jacques Philippe, a priest of the Community of the Beatitudes, who offered beautiful reflections and homilies during the two-week trip.