Marge Fenelon

The Church of Cana

There’s already so much to tell about, and I’m only two-thirds of the way through my first full day in the Holy Land!

I left Monday (May 19) on an evening flight out of Chicago, connected to another flight in Rome, and landed in Tel Aviv around 7pm local time. On the same flight was our Israel Ministry of Tourism agent, Jill (who, I believe must be related to the Good Fairy). Once landed, we met our guide, Ron, who is courteous, funny, and well educated.

My first surprise was learning that tour guides in Israel are required to get a degree akin to our Bachelor’s degree in the United States and that they (more…)

In just a few hours, I’ll be heading to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where I’ll meet Jill, the Public Relations Director for the Midwest Region of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Together, we’ll take a 9 1/2 hour flight to Rome, and then a 3 1/4 hour flight to Tel Read more

This morning I had a great chat with Diana von Glahn (EWTN’s “The Faithful Traveler), Peter Jesserer Smith (National Catholic Register Reporter), and Denise Bossert ((syndicated columnist)/ All three of us will go to Israel next week to cover the Holy Father’s historic meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew I as well as other Read more

It may seem as though Pope Francis’ trip to the Holy Land May 24-26 is something far away, both mentally and geographically. Trust me, it’s very close. Sure, he’ll be meeting with a number of dignitaries from positions and areas that don’t directly affect us. But, the main purpose for Read more

A few items of interest that I think will interest you, also:

First, in his homily this lovely morn at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis spoke about the danger of a hardened heart, encouraging the faithful to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. All of us have hardened hearts at one time or (more…)

I’ll tell you the same thing I texted my daughter earlier today, “With this trip, all bets are off!” That was in response to her teasing me about all the changes in my travel plans to Israel. And all bets really are off, because there’s been another change. Instead of Read more

The quote below from Pope Francis is a keeper, and that’s why I’m sharing it with you. I hope it becomes a keeper for you, too.

In his homily this morning at Casa Santa Marta, the Holy Father spoke about the Holy Spirit in the context of the conversion of the first pagans to Christianity, found in today’s (more…)