Lagos pilgrims deepen faith with visits to holy sites

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The pilgrimage exercise undertaken by Christian pilgrims from Lagos State continues to enrich their spiritual journey, with visits to significant biblical landmarks in the Holy Land of Israel.

On the third day of the pilgrimage, Christmas Day, the group celebrated the occasion with a visit to the Allenby border, marking their entrance into The Promised Land. From there, they proceeded to Mount Zion, historically known as the Western Hill, a site of immense biblical significance. The area, once home to the Sadducees, houses several iconic locations tied to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

One of the highlights was the Upper Room, where Jesus and His disciples partook in the Last Supper and where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles as tongues of fire on the Day of Pentecost. Here, pilgrims fervently prayed for a revival in their lives.

Other notable visits included the synagogue of King David’s Tomb, the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times, and the Church of the Dormition, believed to mark the site of the Virgin Mary’s “falling asleep.”

The pilgrims also visited the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the last remnant of the Temple of God, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The wall is revered as the most sacred site for Jews worldwide and attracts Christians from across the globe for prayers.

On Day Four, Boxing Day, the group embarked on an extensive journey to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, visiting sites such as the Shepherd’s Field, Church of the Nativity, Mount of Olives, and the Chapel of the Ascension.

At Dominus Flevit, pilgrims reflected on the moment Jesus wept over Jerusalem, while at the Garden of Gethsemane, they meditated on His time of prayer before His arrest.

The itinerary also included the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross), where nine of the 14 Stations of the Cross were visited, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses Golgotha and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ, marking His burial and resurrection.

Despite the physical demands of trekking through steep and rugged terrains, many pilgrims, including the elderly, persevered to complete the spiritually rewarding journey. Those unable to continue trekking were advised to remain in specific locations to focus on prayers.

The pilgrimage has not only deepened the participants’ connection to the sacred history of the region but also provided a clearer understanding of biblical stories, enhancing their spiritual growth and faith.

Pilgrims expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board for organizing the journey. They particularly commended Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, Executive Secretary of the Board, for her dedicated and pragmatic leadership.

The next phase of the pilgrimage, Day Five, will take the group to Jericho and the Dead Sea region, promising more transformative experiences.