Pilgrim’s Progress

Jessica Juwono decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem before she continued her education in Tokyo. Here, she talks about some of the historical and holy places she visited

trip to Jerusalem, other than the warmth and closeness to God that I felt when I landed, I was able to visit a number of well-known churches and gardens. Some of these are linked directly to Jesus Christ, and I was given the opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of each one. Some left me simply breathless, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share them with you.

This church was built where Mary, mother of Jesus, was born. Just next to the church lies a pool of water that is believed to heal the sick. The most beautiful part of this church, which is also something that none of the other churches has, is a beautiful movement of sound. I was able to sing by the altar and it was transformed into an acoustic melody, able to be heard by everyone in the church.

where Jesus Christ conveyed the eight sermons of happiness to his disciples. With its cool, crisp air, I was also able to take in the picturesque view of the Sea of Galilee.

The tomb of Mother Mary is reputedly located in a church on this mountain, and I was blessed to be able to touch the sculpture of a sleeping Mary that is located here.

This church is one that denied Christ entry three times. Despite its beauty and its “sacred stairs”, we were not allowed to enter because tourists have a habit of taking home rocks from the stairs.

This is where Moses received the Ten Commandments and also the first mountain I have ever climbed. Despite my fear of heights, I overcame my phobia and trekked up this mountain. We departed at 11pm and it took us about an hour-long camel ride followed by a walk. Surprisingly, my fear disappeared when I saw how close we were to the stars. We finally reached the top at approximately 4am and