By Anthony Maliki who was on pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan
The early morning mist was dense and the cold piercing as Bus Seven of the Ninth Batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims cut through the sparsely highway of Amman, Jordan, towards the Queen Alia International airport, from the Grand Palace Hotel.
Two other buses – five and six- of pilgrims also left the same hotel that Saturday morning of March 8, 2025 homeward bounds, after concluding their spiritual journey to Israel and Jordan, which began with airlift from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 26, 2025.
Other buses, with pilgrims too, of the same batch of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage, also left their hotel in another part of Amman for the airport. In all, there were seven buses.
But, if pilgrims in Bus Seven were a bit quite because of the early morning Amman cold, virtually all pilgrims on approach towards the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja runway after a bit of over seven hours flight, erupted into uncontrolled frenzy of praises inside the cabin of the massive A330 aircraft after a fulfilled spiritual pilgrimage journey.
As the aircraft turned and swerved to gain balance and aim at the runway, the returning pilgrims, the more raised their voices in praise with a thunderous roar as the Air Anka plane finally smoothy landed.
The uplifting attitude of the pilgrims aptly described the soul-searching spiritual journey to the Holy Land, the essence, of which the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite emphasized.
Addressing the Ninth Batch of pilgrims before departing Nigeria, Bishop Adegbite pointed out that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey and not tourism. He assured the pilgrims that they would go and come back from the pilgrimage spiritually transformed and that was what happened. Many returned absolutely in high spirit.
He pointed out that Nigeria is a religious nation, and as such, no amount of money invested in pilgrimage will be a waste because prayer is what is keeping the nation intact and urged Christian pilgrims to always uphold Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu in prayers.
NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop (Dr.) Stephen Adegbite with Spiritual Leader of the Ninth Batch of pilgrims, Bishop of Lagos Central, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Samuel Nortey, left, during the departure formalities, February 26, 2025
Bishop Adegbite praised President Tinubu’s magnanimity towards both Christians and Muslims, giving them the opportunity to fulfill their pilgrimage obligations.
Besides, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support in ensuring that some disadvantaged Christian leaders, both in the north and south, were given the privilege to embark on pilgrimage.
Arrival at Amman, Jordan
The Ninth Batch pilgrims arrived the Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, Jordan in the early hours of 27 February, 2025 to a blazing cold weather. The immigration clearance was not swift but after some delays, pilgrims individually presented to the Jordanian Immigration personnel their passports and were allowed entry.
The Jordanian experience
Pilgrims took the whole of Thursday, February 27 to rest and for NCPC and spiritual leaders to plan the schedule. The Jordanian pilgrimage was really uplifting as well as exciting. The visit to the Machaerus fortress on Friday February 28, 2026, was soul-searching. The fortress is located in the village of Mukawir, southeast of the mouth of Jordan River at the eastern edge of the Dead Sea and believed to be where John, The Baptist, was imprisoned and later beheaded on the orders of King Herod Antipas.
There was also the visit to Mount Nebo where Prophet Moses lived his last days and saw the Promised Land but never entered. It was believed that Moses body was buried at Mount Nebo. From atop the mountain, the lush plains of Moses Springs could be clearly seen below.
There was also a visit to the Jabbok River, where Jacob had a transformative encounter with God and his name changed to Israel. In all these places, pilgrims fervently offered collective and individual prayers. Umm Qais, at the edge of the Sea of Galilee is a marvel of ancient architecture and the resilience of the people in building an organized society. It is believed Jesus lived and preached in Umm Qais where he performed the miracle of Gadarene swine. Luke 8: 26-27: “They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town.”
Upon return from Israel on March 7, 2025 after six days, pilgrims visited Mar Ilyas, located near Ajloun, in northern Jordan, believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah, a significant figure in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Pilgrims moved round the ruins of the church where they offered prayers.
Jordanian tour guide Mazen
The Jordanian tour guide Mazen Kfouf is really amazing with his control of Biblical narratives and depth of ancient Christian and Jordanian history.
His control of speech leaves no one in doubt about his proper and correct use of words to drive home his thoughts for better understanding. It draws rapt attention to even pilgrims who might be caught up observing the scenery of Amman, Jordan with its beautifully limestone-built houses. His off-hand narratives are second to none.
That’s not all, his quotations from the bible without recourse to reading from any text is really amazing. He makes exact references of biblical events to locations in Jordan and beyond.
On the whole, there was never a dull moment with Mezan. He jokingly urged batch nine pilgrims that he guides on Bus Seven to call him “Amazing Mezan”. Yes, no doubt, he surely is amazing.
Some Nigeria pilgrims pray at the Wailing Wall in Old Jerusalem
Arriving Israel, the Holy Sites
Pilgrims arrived Israel from Jordan in the afternoon of Sunday March 2, 2025 through the Jordan Valley Border Post to begin their spiritual journey in the Holy Land. The clearance at the border to Israel was seamless.
Church of Transfiguration on Mount Tabor
After border formalities, the pilgrims were driven straight to Mount Tabor or Mount of Transfiguration, a significant biblical place of importance at about 610 metres above sea level situated at Lower Galilee. Atop the mountain is the Church of Transfiguration completed in 1924 by the Franciscan Society of the Roman Catholic and designed by Architect Antonio Barluzzi.
It is believed to be the location where Jesus underwent the Transfiguration, as described in the Gospels of Matthew 17:1–9, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36 and revealed his divine glory to Peter, James, and John, appearing alongside Moses and Elijah.
The alluring church has two chapels, dedicated to Moses and Elijah with mosaics and stained-glass windows depicting the Transfiguration. The church is built over the ruins of earlier Byzantine and Crusader churches. The central curve features a golden mosaic of Christ in radiant glory. The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6.
Basilica of Annunciation, Nazareth
Thereafter, pilgrims were moved through the narrow streets of Nazareth to the Basilica of Annunciation where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced to her the conception and birth of Jesus.
The Basilica is a very significant Christian religious site built on the site of the Annunciation, one of Christianity’s most important events with the present structure designed by Architect Giovanni Muzio and completed in 1969.
There are two levels of the Basilica. The lower-level houses the Grotto of the Annunciation, where the event of the Annunciation is believed to have taken place while the upper level serves as a large church for worship and features stunning mosaics and artwork from Christian communities around the world.
The façade includes a large mosaic depicting the Annunciation while the dome, shaped like a lily, symbolizes the Virgin Mary’s purity.
The site has been a place of Christian worship since Byzantine times of the 4th century. The first church on the site was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine. However, a larger church was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century but was later destroyed. On the whole, The Franciscans took control of the site in the 17th century, and a new church was built in the 18th century but the current structure was constructed between 1960 and 1969, replacing the previous churches.
The Basilica of the Annunciation is a major pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide. It is part of the pilgrimage route in the Holy Land and is visited by thousands of tourists and religious pilgrims every year.
At the lower level, pilgrims were shown Mary’s home and Joseph carpentry workshop. There, Rev. Father Joseph Gandu read from the Luke 1: 26-38. He prayed for the divine and supernatural announcement in the lives of pilgrims.
Mount of Beatitudes, Mount of Multiplication, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee
Nigerian pilgrims also visited the Holy grounds of Mount of Beatitudes. It is situated in northern Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. It is where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount as captured in Matthew 5-7. It is a significant Christian pilgrimage site and associated with the Beatitudes, the blessings that begin with “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
The isle towards the Church of the Beatitudes is laced with beautiful garden and inscriptions of the Beatitudes as pilgrims walk to the sea shore where the church is built at the edge of the coastline. The present church was built in 1938 by the Franciscan Sisters where pilgrims prayed.
Ruins of well laid-out residences at Capernaum, The town of Jesus, Israel
Mount of Multiplication, Tabgha
The Mount of Multiplication is located at Tabgha at the coastline of the Sea of Galilee. The site is believed to be where Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, as described in the Gospels.
The modern church, built in 1982, stands on the ruins of earlier Byzantine churches from the 4th and 5th centuries. It is famous for its beautiful 5th-century mosaic floor, which depicts a basket of bread and two fish, symbolizing the miracle.
Capernaum, the town of Jesus
Capernaum, an ancient fishing village on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, depicts an organized community where Jesus lived, preached and performed many miracles. Pilgrims relished on the well-thought-out community with a synagogue.
Capernaum was an early Christian worship place, believed to be the house of the apostle Peter. A modern church is built above Peter’s residence.
Capernaum is significant in Christianity because it was the home base of Jesus during much of his ministry. The Gospels mention Capernaum multiple times as the place where Jesus performed miracles, taught in the synagogue, and healed people, including Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15).
The Capernaum Synagogue – The ruins of a grand white limestone synagogue from the 4th-5th century still stands over an earlier black basalt synagogue, believed to be the one where Jesus taught. Indeed, the ruins of homes and streets from Jesus’ time can still be seen, giving insight into life in the 1st century. Capernaum is often called “The Town of Jesus” because of its strong biblical significance.
Some Nigeria pilgrims in a group photograph by the ‘Stone of Anointing’ where Jesus’ body was washed before burial inside the Holy Sepulchre Church, Old Jerusalem
Sea of Galilee
Pilgrims were taken on a boat ride around the Sea of Galilee where Jesus trended and performed a lot of miracles. But it is not really a boat ride for pleasure but of worship and praises. Pilgrims were treated to worship songs from the boat’s public address systems and while some danced, prayed, others sat quietly in deep reflection about biblical happenings on the very waters Jesus transcended.
The Sea of Galilee is also called Lake Kinneret, Lake Tiberias, or Lake Gennesaret is where Jesus is said to have walked on water. Also, many miracles of Jesus took place on the sea including the calming of the storm and the feeding of the 5,000. It is also where Jesus called some of his first disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
Before disembarking on the boat ride, Pastor Aaron Kinu Kabirwa prayed for the pilgrims and special offering collected.
Oh, sweet Jerusalem
The Ninth Batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims on Wednesday March 5, 2025 began visits and prayers at Holy Sites in Jerusalem after arriving from Tiberias on Tuesday evening. Pilgrims were stationed in Bethlehem where, for three cold days, moved into Jerusalem every morning and back. There is the feeling of hush and deep reflections as biblical events and Holy Sites are enormous both within Old Jerusalem and outside the Old city.
The stone steps Jesus used to the rock where he called his first disciples on the coast of Sea of Galilee
The Garden of Gethsemane
Gethsemane is a very important site in Christianity. Pilgrims walk from top of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem down to the Gethsemane where Jesus prayed on the night before His crucifixion. This was after the Last Supper and arrest.
The olive trees and the rocks presently at Gethsemane aptly suggest the date back centuries and where Jesus had prayed. Pilgrims can only view the inside of the ancient garden from the fence giving an imagery of the happenings during Jesus’ prayer and arrest. Pilgrims rotate round the garden from a small gate in supplication and adoration. Beside the fenced garden is the Basilica of the Agony, built over the actual rock where Jesus prayed.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
There is a hush as many pilgrims confessed of a feeling of shrill as they entered into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old Jerusalem. It is indeed one of Christianity’s holiest sites. It is believed to be the location of both Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, and His tomb, where He was buried and resurrected.
As pilgrims entered, they are faced with the place where Jesus’ body was believed to have been placed and prepared for burial called “Stone of Anointing”. Pilgrims can touch and pray at the stone. There is also a chapel inside the church which marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is up at the right side of the entrance.
At the left of the entrance is the Aedicule – a small structure that houses the tomb of Jesus. It consists of two chambers: one where His body was laid and another where the angel is said to have announced the resurrection. Through the low, narrow door, pilgrims are allowed inside in batches to pray at the empty tomb for few seconds.
However, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, originally built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Despite conflicts over its control among different Christian groups, it remains a central place of pilgrimage.
The Garden Tomb
The Garden Tomb outside old Jerusalem is a site that some Christians believe could be the burial and resurrection place of Jesus Christ. The site was identified in the 19th century and is often considered an alternative to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre inside Old Jerusalem which is the more accepted location of Jesus’ tomb.
Indeed, the tomb cut out from the rock resembles descriptions of Jesus’ burial place in the Gospels.
At the Garden Tomb, a tour guide, Liz Tingman, explained to pilgrims that it is believed to be Tomb of Jesus Christ because it is outside Old Jerusalem and where a skull-shaped hill nearby which some believe fits the biblical description of Golgotha.
The Pilgrims were given the opportunity to go into the empty Tomb for few seconds to pray, thereafter, Rev. Father Joseph Gandu was given the opportunity to preach and urged pilgrims to forgive.
Mount Zion
Located outside Jerusalem Old City walls, Mount Zion, holds significant religious and historical importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is linked with the biblical City of David and the termed “Zion” which symbolizes Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
For Christians, it is where the Upper Room of the Last Supper is located, where Jesus is believed to have held the Last Supper with his disciples. It also believed to be the site where events of the Pentecost took place. Besides, King David’s Tomb is located just below the Upper Room and revered by many. The Tomb of King David which is considered sacred in Jewish tradition.
Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu
This is believed to be associated with Peter’s denial of Jesus and possibly the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. Below it is the dungeon where Jesus was thrown into after His arrest at Gethsemane. Within the depth of the scary dungeon, Rev. Father Gandu read from the bible while pilgrims were allowed to pray inside the church.
Pool of Bethesda
The Pool of Bethesda is referred to an account of Jesus’ healing a paralyzed man at a pool of water in Jerusalem, described as being near the Sheep Gate and surrounded by five covered colonnades or porticoes.
It is near the gate now called the Lions’ Gate or St. Stephen’s Gate and the Church of St. Anne, which was excavated in the late 19th century. In the Church pilgrims prayed in songs and praises led by Pastor Aaron Kinu Kabirwa.
The Wailing Wall
Meandering through the packed allays with shops in Old Jerusalem, pilgrims reach the open space of the imposing Wailing Wall traditionally a Jewish place of worship. It is a massive space. With a long walk, pilgrims get to the walls where they say their prayers and insert their written wishes within the narrow openings of the walls.
Also known as the Western Wall, The Wailing Wall is a significant religious site in Jerusalem. It is the last remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans. The Temple was originally built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE and later rebuilt by King Herod in the 1st century BCE. The wall itself, part of the temple’s outer courtyard, became a site of Jewish prayer and pilgrimage over centuries, especially after the Temple’s destruction.
Jews believe the wall is the closest site to the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctum of the Temple, where God’s presence dwelled. It became a place of mourning, reflection, and prayer, particularly after the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile.
Today, the Wailing Wall draws millions of visitors annually from around the world with pilgrims from Nigeria part of the number.
The Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem
With a large outer space, The Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. It is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The site has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since at least the 2nd century CE. It is built over a cave that was believed to be the birthplace of Jesus; a site that had long been venerated by early Christians with a short narrow door into the vast church.
Its main attraction is the Grotto of the Nativity, a small cave beneath the church that is traditionally marked as the birthplace of Jesus, where visitors come to pray and reflect.
The Basilica was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to its historical and religious significance.
Pilgrims walk towards Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem
The Church of St. Catherine, Bethlehem
The Church of Saint Catherine or Chapel of Saint Catherine is a Catholic religious building located adjacent to the northern part of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It is a parish church and Franciscan monastery. There is a complex of caves underneath the church. This is the church where the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
In fact, it is here that St. Jerome, also known as St. Hieronymus, a Christian scholar, translator, and theologian is best known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version known as the Vulgate, which became the standard Bible for the Catholic Church for many centuries.
Jerome died in 420 CE in Bethlehem, where he had spent the final years of his life. He is regarded as a Doctor of the Church and is celebrated for his contributions to Christian scholarship and the spread of the Bible in the Latin-speaking world. His feast day is celebrated on September 30.
Ash Wednesday in Bethlehem
During the pilgrimage, like other days, Catholics had the opportunity to celebrate Mass on Ash Wednesday in Bethlehem officiated by Rev Father Joseph Gandu of the Diocese of Kaduna. In his Homily, Rev. Father Gandu emphasized a sincere change of heart during the time of Lent. According to him, ash is not repentance explaining that repentance comes from within. Rev Father Gandu noted that Lent is a time to review ourselves reminding that even with almsgiving, prayers and fasting it comes to nothing without inner repentance. After the Mass Rev. Father Gandu and Rev. Father Maurice Hassan administered ash.
Prayer sessions
The prayer sessions throughout the pilgrimage were spiritually uplifting and well-attended. The spiritual leader of the batch, Bishop of Lagos Central, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey allowed the Catholics to have their Mass between 5-5:30 am daily before the general prayer sessions which were strictly adhered to. Reverend Father Joseph Gandu, the Director of Radio Maria, Kaduna assisted by Reverend Father Maurice Hassan led Catholic faithful especially those on buses five, six and seven staying in the same hotel facility during the pilgrimage.
Bishop Nortey appoints a Pastor or two to administer the Word of God after songs and praises daily before setting out to the Holy Sites. After returning, evening worship also took place. Some of the pastors who preached during some of those prayer sessions included Rev. Dr. Ini Ukpho, Venerable Andrus Nnaemeka Ukaejiofo (rtd) of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Abuja, Rev. Canon Daniel Tsado Ndagi of St. Bartholomew, Diocese of Bida, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and Rev. Father Joseph Gandu among others.
Attitude of pilgrims in Holy Land
Generally, the attitude of pilgrims is good except for the need for more orientation in Nigeria before departing to the Holy Land. Even when there were reminders at the airport on comportment and dos and don’ts, pilgrims needed more talks even as the journey progresses.
Suggestions
Few special days should be set-aside for supplication and prayers during the pilgrimage. This should for intense prayers and praises sessions apart from the daily devotions. Also, a day should be set-aside for sight-seeing and buying of souvenirs so that pilgrims can appropriately concentrate on their spiritual journey.
JP ceremony
The NCPC should ensure that all JP certificates and medals are issued at the ceremony and not a selected few as the case of the Ninth Batch of pilgrims at Bethlehem Hotel, Bethlehem on March 6, 2025. There should be enough time to receive JP certificates which many pilgrims looked up toat a formal ceremony.
However, kudos to the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite for ensuring a smooth and successful 2024 Main Pilgrimage that involved 13 Batches. This showed his commitment and steadfastness within a year of stewardship at the Commission. His back-room activities are no mean feat.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Gandu preaches to pilgrims at The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem
A section of pilgrims during the JP ceremony at Bethlehem Hotel, Bethlehem on March 6, 2025
The ruins of Umm Qais in Jordan with well laid streets and palatial residences
Jordanian tour guide Mezan Kfouf with a Nigerian journalist and pilgrim, Friday Bako in Amman, Jordan
Rev Father Maurice Hassan administer ash on pilgrims on Ash Wednesday in Bethlehem
Arch Dean, ERCC Church, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Very Rev. Yusuf Igube with Chief of Sop in Plateau State, Chief Clement Pam, right, at the JP ceremony at Bethlehem Hotel, Bethlehem
Hon. Titsi Ganama, 2023 Adamawa State APC governorship election running mate, left, with Mr. Tough Anthony Yongo along Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem
Songs and praises on a boat cruise on Sea of Galilee
Pilgrims mill around Aedicule, that houses the Tomb of Jesus at Holy Sepulchre Church Old Jerusalem
Pilgrims at the banks of Jabbok River in Jordan
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