COMMUNICARE VOL. 3

JUL - DEC 2016 / VOL. 3

EXCLUSIVE INFO ABOUT OUR RECENT TRIP TO ROME & EASTERN EUROPE! www.splendourproject.com

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We are a community of friends – clergy and laity – responding to the call of the Holy Catholic Church for a New Evangelisation through the proclamation of Truth, Beauty and Goodness.

Convened by the Rev. Deacon Dr Sherman Kuek OFS in 2012, we came together to string together a series of apostolate activities to effectively transmit the Holy Gospel as proclaimed by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

We transmit the Gospel and the teachings of the Church through:

// Live conferences and formation events // Publication and distribution of formation resources

JOIN US ONLINE www.splendourproject.com

fb.com/splendourproject

twitter.com/shermankuek

youtube.com/splendourproject

// Formation-based pilgrimages organised to various sacred sites around the world Published by The Splendour Project Contact Matthew Kang Communications and Events Manager 016-443 2783 matthew@splendourproject.com 2 | Communicare

INISDE COMMUNICARE

EE 4

Meet our new friends and collaborators!

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Read about the Splendour Youth Programme!

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Get an idea of how you will journey for 18 days through Rome & Eastern Europe!

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Recommended reads you can get from our partner, NAC Publications.

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Featuring our latest pilgrimage trip to Rome & Eastern Europe in September 2016!

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Not sure where we visit? Now you will for our pilgrimage to Greece & Turkey 2017.

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Keep up with the events we’ve held and attended from the 2nd half of the year 2016!

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Find out what the Splendour Project goes through on our regular trip to Holy Land!

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Join us for this year’s formation-based pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2017!

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SPLENDOUR TEAM The Splendour Team of collaborators has inevitably grown since our first publication in January 2016.

Here, we are pleased to introduce our latest team members who have bravely taken the challenge to collaborate with us on our mission of sharing the joy of the Gospel in their own unique ways.

EDMUND KANG

Communications Assistant

edmund@splendourproject.com

Edmund is the youngest member of the Splendour Team, but his youth has never been an impediment to his dedication to the mission of our community. While focusing on his studies as a student in the Sixth Form, he dedicates part of his time to also assist the Splendour Project with our mission activity, particularly in our communications work.

ALAN RICHARD BELIMBIN Liaison Officer

KURTSEAN PITCHAY Liaison Officer

Alan collaborates with the Splendour Project as our Liaison Officer for the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He actively assists in our mission for the People of God there on a regular basis by undertaking lots of tasks related to coordination, publicity, and distribution.

Kurtsean has been very active in the student movement as well as the liturgy ministry of the Church since his university days. It goes without saying that he has a special love for the liturgy and is greatly concerned that the younger generation should be deeply formed in the Sacred Tradition of the Church.

alan@splendourproject.com

Alan is a real estate negotiator by profession, and is also experienced in the building construction industry.

He graduated with an honours degree in Accounting and Business Studies from Middlesex University, London.

For a full list of collaborators and our advisors, kindly visit our website at: www.splendourproject.com/ splendour-team.html

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kurtsean@splendourproject.com

Kurtsean lives in Johor Bahru and serves with the Splendour Project as our liaison personnel for collaboration between the Splendour Project and the Diocese of Malacca Johore, particularly in efforts for evangelisation. Having a bachelors degree in Psychology which was jointly conferred by Sunway University (Malaysia) and Lancaster University (UK), he also assists the Splendour Team in our understanding of human dynamics in order that our apostolate work may be more effective.

NAC PUBLICATIONS With each publication, the Splendour Project normally features a few of our own latest media productions, whether it be DVD, Audio CDs or books. Once in a while, we come across some books from our trusted partner and collaborator NAC Publications that are hard to miss. This time around, we would like to introduce these two new books recently published by them.

BEHOLD THE MAN DEACON HAROLD BURKE

NAC Publications is proud to be appointed by Parousia Media to print the best-selling, Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality,

by Deacon Harold Burke Sivers. Deacon Harold is also a permanent deacon like our Deacon Sherman Kuek. He was family man and a lay speaker when he received the call to be ordain as a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Portland, in America.

Behold the Man is a unique exploration of Catholic spirituality for men.

Much of the literature written for Catholic men focuses on topical issues such as fatherhood and sexuality. While this book does not exclude these subjects, it is the first to present a comprehensive picture of Catholic male spirituality.

What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality?

How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book.

POPE FRANCIS TO GO

CHRISTOPHER WEST

The book, Pope Francis To Go, is based on the reflection on 150 quotes from Pope Francis's landmark apostolic exhortation The Joy of the Gospel. Through the lens of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, West share the joy, points to the beauty and invites everyone to the delicious banquet he has found in Pope Francis's teachings Since the moment the new pope took the name Francis and stepped out on the loggia at St. Peter's Basilica in 2013, something new, something fresh seemed to be unfolding. The Pope - who wears old brown shoes, forfeited the papal apartment, prefers to be driving in an economy car, gives off-thecuff interviews, makes random personal phone calls to unsuspecting "commoners", and emphasizes incessantly his desire for a Church that is "poor" and "for the poor" - has certainly made an impression on the world stage.

But has the world, or the Church for that matter, taken the time to ponder in its heart what Francis actually has to say? We've heard the sound bites in the headlines and on the evening news, but have we gotten beyond the spin and gone to the source?

For information on how to obtain these materials and more, kindly contact: Anthony Chan | 012-428 8977 | sales.my@nacpublications.com | www.NACpublications.com

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2016 FORMATION EVENTS JUL - DEC

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2016 FORMATION EVENTS

JUL

JUL

JUL

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // BRUNEI MYSTERY OF MERCY

8 // 10 PENANG THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

15 // 16 // 17 SIBU MYSTERY OF MERCY

Deacon Sherman and his team continues their formation-cumrecollection of the Mystery of Mercy held at the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Seria, Brunei. After the formation-cum-recollection, the participants prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet followed

by Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Parish priest Fr Robert, Fr Arin and Fr Paul were all present for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation after the session.

The youth of Penang City Parish held their annual Youth Camp at the Penang Office for Human Development Formation Centre.

They invited one of our speakers of chastity, Raymond Hew to conduct the sessions based on the Theology of the Body. About 40 youths attended this camp.

At the end of the sessions, Fr Joachim was present to hear Confessions.

The Splendour Team wraps up another session of their formation-cum-recollection of the Mystery of Mercy at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sibu, Sarawak. About 50 participants were present at the sessions.

Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was followed after a recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We were touched with the queue outside the Confessionals.

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2016 FORMATION EVENTS

JUL

AUG

AUG

29 // 31 SERIAN, SARAWAK MYSTERY OF MERCY (BM)

5 // 6 // 7 // KOTA PADAWAN, KUCHING MYSTERY OF MERCY (BM)

19 // 16 // 17 PAPAR, SABAH THE CHRISTIAN TRUTH

The parish of St Theresa in Serian has invited the Splendour Team to present their formation-cum-recollection of the Mystery of Mercy in Bahasa Melayu. There were around 117 participants, majority of which were Sunday School catechists.

The Splendour Team had a wonderful time being together with our brothers and sisters of Serian. The event was concluded with the Holy Hour together with the praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet followed

by Benediction after a prolonged time of silence.

The Splendour Team were giving a talk on the Mystery of Mercy at St Anne’s Catholic Church throughout the weekend together with around 170 participants. Deacon Sherman Kuek was the one conducting the sessions in Bahasa Melayu after which Adoration and Benediction were celebrated after the Divine Mercy Chaplet was recited.

The Catechetical Commission of the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese organised an event which the Splendour Team was invited to. Deacon Sherman Kuek covered several topics based on the title of the event: “The Christian Truth: Why We Believe in the Son of God”. There were about 150 lay faithful in attendance ranging from teachers, catechists and church minsters. Deacon Sherman explained topics regarding Church teachings and also from the different perspective of other faiths.

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2016 FORMATION EVENTS

AUG

AUG

SEP

22 // 23 // 24 // 25 PAPAR, SABAH THE CHRISTIAN TRUTH

27 // 28 SRI AMAN, SARAWAK ROSARY REFLECTION I

Deacon Sherman returns for his annual retreat and formation with the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

This time, he introduces the new topic: “The Christian Truth: Why We Believe in the Son of God” which draws on the differences in beliefs based on Church teachings and that of other faiths.

Close friends to the Splendour Project, the Legion of Mary of Kuching has invited Deacon Sherman to conduct their annual retreat. This year, the retreat was held in Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace in Sri Aman, a town 2 hours drive away from central Kuching. The retreat, first of its series, was based on the reflection of Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary. The Splendour Project will continue to journey with the Legion to completion over the next couple of years.

11 // 13 SANDAKAN, SABAH MYSTERY OF MERCY (MANDARIN) Saint Mary Cathedral has invited the Splendour Project to present the formation-cumrecollection Mystery of Mercy in Mandarin. Matthew Lo, our Mandarin speaker journeyed in faith with the 50 participants who took the time to attend this formation and helped them prepare spiritually for the Year of Mercy.

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2016 FORMATION EVENTS

SEP

OCT

NOV

16 // 17 // 18 PETALING JAYA YOUTH RETREAT

26 SEP - 13 OCT FORMATION-BASED PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & EASTERN EUROPE

11 // 12 // 13 SETAPAK, KL MYSTERY OF MERCY

One of our speakers, Remy *refer to page 18 Martin Gunsalam, was invited to give a talk at a retreat for the Malay-speaking parishioners.

This retreat was held at Saint Francis Xavier’s Church in Petaling Jaya. There were about 30 participants. The young adults had full focus on the topic at hand.

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This formation-cum-recollection was the final event for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. It focused on how one should continue living his/her life after the Year of Mercy. It was held at the Sacred Heart Church at Jalan Peel with about 80 participants.

Coincidentally it was also the weekend for the closing of the Holy Doors of Mercy in Malaysia.

After the sessions, the Sacred Heart Chaplet was recited and Deacon Sherman lead the Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

2016 FORMATION EVENTS

NOV

DEC

21 NOV - 1 DEC FORMATION-BASED PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

16 // 17 // 18 KOTA KINABALU LEADER’S RETREAT

*refer to page 24

The Splendour Project wraps up the year’s mission with a weekend retreat for the leaders of the Lifeline Community. A small group of young adult leaders from the Lifeline Community gathered with Deacon Sherman at a retreat centre in Bundu Tuhan, a town 2 hours drive away from central Kota Kinabalu.

The leaders were engaged in casual conversations over the weekend covering questions of life, spirituality, responsibility, leadership and faith.

Flip the page to follow our events for the first half of the year 2017 or follow us on Facebook for regular and latest updates!

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SPLENDOUR YOUTH

Youth

&

Evangelisation “People may judge you to be dreamers because you believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples… ​Don’t be discouraged: With a smile and open arms, you proclaim hope.”

- Pope Francis

Young people today are both privileged and challenged at the same time. They are privileged to be alive at a moment in history when humanity witnesses an unprecedented magnitude of scientific progress. But they are also challenged because this progress casts a burden of discernment and response upon them which they may not be ready to bear.

issues on a daily basis. Hence, we have a special concern for young people.

We have embarked on several projects to reach out to the young people in our wider community.

For the Catholic young adults, we have launched a mentoring programme called Renovatio.​ We also run an English language The Splendour Project proficiency programme for recognises the potentials and children of non English-speaking pitfalls confronting the young migrants in Malaysia who need people of our generation. In fact, to assimilate themselves into a large proportion of our team international education systems members themselves are from that are English language this very generation and are oriented. struggling with contemporary 14 | Communicare

SPLENDOUR YOUTH

R

a v o t io n e

RENOVATIO is a Latin word that open for public application as it functions by relationality means "renewal". and friendship, and therefore, Renovatio is an apprenticeship mostly by invitation extended programme through which to individuals to journey with the Splendour Team closely our team as their relationship mentors young adults in living develops with us. the Christian life. Through Renovatio, we coach them to What does it take for a discern and consider what the candidate to be an apprentice Gospel asks of them and how under Renovatio? they might fashion their lives according to God's specific will 1. Be a baptised, confirmed, and practising Catholic; for them.

2. Have completed secondary school education (Form 5); This is a programme for young adults who are seriously 3. Be serious about discerning God's will in his/her life and looking for direction in their willing to consider what the lives. They are typically people Gospel demands of him/her; who are close in touch with the 4.

Be willing to be guided out of Splendour Team. his/her own freewill, not out of compulsion or coercion; This programme is not usually

5. Be committed to staying in constant touch with us, meeting with us whenever we are available, attending our formation sessions regularly, and perhaps attending a retreat under our guidance at given intervals.​ The Splendour Team is always open to dialoguing with young people who are sincerely seeking the will of God for their lives. While we deal mainly with crowds of people, we acknowledge the necessity of also journeying at a more personal level with those who are willing to invest their time and effort in seeking God's desire for them.

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SPLENDOUR YOUTH

SPLENDOUR ENGLISH PROGRAMME One of the main objectives of this programme is to create and provide a conducive learning atmosphere for the students to not only absorb but to apply the language as well. This is in line with Splendour Project’s efforts to address one of the needs in our society today which is the learning of the English Language by the children of immigrant families. Many families from around the world today come to Malaysia seeking a better life, better work prospects and affordable education. Many of these children are required to learn English as it is the medium of instruction in their schools here. However, most of them struggle with learning the language as there is not enough avenues for them to practice.

taken the time to get to know the students, the instructor makes improvisations to the programme to better suit each student’s needs. For instant, materials used for teaching is selected based on the student’s capability and interest while the speed of teaching is adjusted to match the students pace and capability.

Therefore, the Splendour English Language Programme provides a service by way of personal tutoring to these families by offering them an opportunity to learn and master the language in a unique, effective & affordable way. The Splendour English Programme is a programme developed by Grace Hew, which draws from

As every student is different 1. Her rich experience in (ranging from a plethora of successfully educating cultural & family backgrounds, students from different levels of competency, character countries (Eg. Middle East, and so forth), each will require China, Japan, Korea,Thailand, different approaches of learning Vietnam and Malaysia), the language. This highly cultural background and customisable programme is with differing levels of to ensure that the students competency in the English receive an optimize and ideal language. learning experience. Having 2. Her educational background 16 | Communicare

of a Degree of Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Major in English) from Universiti Malaya and a Master of Arts (Linguistics and English Language Studies) from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

3. Her passion in teaching young people & seeing them succeed in their mastery of the language.

This combination provides a platform in developing a unique programme which not only helps the students learn the language but also develops their self confidence in using the language as learning the language and having the confidence to use it are two different matters entirely. For example, as part of the programme, Grace takes the time to develop a strong relationship and trust with the students and thus provides a safe place where the students are able to use the language i.e. converse using the English language in relation to their daily lives and the happenings around them. This method helps build up their self-confidence to use the language in their interaction with others.

For more information kindly contact Ms Grace (+6)016 - 441 2783 grace@splendourproject. com

2016 / 2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGES

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2016 PILGRIMAGE

Statue of St Blaise, patron saint of Dubrovnik, Croatia

View from the Papal Audience in St Peter’s Square, Rome

Shrine of the Infant Jesus, Prague Shrine of St Faustina, Krakow

Shrine of St John Paul II, Krakow

Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Poland

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St Vitus Cathedral, Prague

2016 PILGRIMAGE ENCOUNTERING MOTHER CHURCH AND THE HOLY SAINTS IN

Rome & Eastern Europe 26 SEP - 13 OCT 2016

Basilica of St John Lateran, Rome

Frescoes from St Paul’s Basilica Outside the Wall, Rome

Apparition Hill, Medjugorje, Bosnia

Cathedral of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sarajevo

Sunset over the Aegean Sea at Dubrovnik, Croatia

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W

2016 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE hen you think of an 18-day trip, your mind starts to worry about the impossibility of the trip, your work, your family and other responsibilities that is a hindrance to such a long trip. But for the 45 pilgrims led by Bishop Cornelius Sim and Deacon Sherman Kuek who came with us this past September, it was a leap of faith as they left behind their lives to join us on a spiritual and fruitful trip starting from Rome and spanning across 5 other different countries through Eastern Europe.

We still remember the last trip we did for this Eastern Europe leg in 2014. Ever since, a lot of changes have taken place both in our organisation and execution of the trip and also in the places we visited.

Rome has clearly tightened its security by having check points at every entrance of each major basilicas due to the high volume of visitors for the Year of Mercy, while Poland seemed like it was still recovering from the wake of the recent World Youth Day. Even with its vast changes, the visit to each major city in the country was nothing short of breathtaking and aweinspiring. From the rich vistas and gorgeous landscapes as we drove along the coastline of the Aegean Sea in Croatia to the towering steeples so iconic to many European church architectures to the amazing interiors of vast number of cathedrals and basilicas the pilgrims prayed in, it was no question that the presence of God and the Holy Spirit journeyed with all of us 20 | Communicare

throughout the pilgrimage.

Because ours is a formationbased pilgrimage, pilgrims who join us receive daily dose of formation regarding various Church teachings that is in relation to the places we visit.

Some of the faith formation topics covered were regarding apostolic succession, papal primacy, principles of church architecture, Marian dogmas and so forth.

its splendourous Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and churches, Dubrovnik was every bit as gorgeous and breathtaking as it was portrayed in the movies (think Game of Thrones). Here, the waters run a deep dark blue as endless as the gorgeous sky while the history is as fresh as the seafood they serve partly because locals still venerate their patron saint, St Blasé.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA (BiH) Medjugorje, the small town made popular by the alleged apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the main highlight of our stay in BiH. A group of pilgrims who were able, encouraged and helped each other to climb both the Hill of Apparition and the Cross Mountain. Those who couldn’t opted to spend their time in prayer and contemplation at various sites surrounding the Church of St James. Apart from that, we also managed to visit While it is not possible to fit 18 the beautiful town of Zagreb days of adventure into one short and its main offerings like the article, what follows is a brief Cathedral of Assumption and St breakdown of the churches and Mark’s Square. shrines we have visited.

HUNGARY ROME The time we spent in the city In Rome, our places of visit divided by the Danube River, were centered around the four Budapest was definitive of major Papal Basilicas, entering our visit to Hungary. Iconic through the Holy Doors and churches featuring architecture even attending the Papal particularly found in Hungary Audience under the warm like St Matthias Church and spring sun without missing out St Stephen’s Basilica easily on essentials like the Vatican transported the pilgrims to a Museums, the Sistine Chapel higher appreciation for church and of course, the Catacombs architecture.

Even more of St Callixtus. impressive was the Esztergom Basilica we visited, a basilica CROATIA so grand it’s printed in the local We stopped by in the beautiful Hungarian note. city of Dubrovnik. Aside from In essence, it is just what the Splendour Project tries to achieve - which is to bring sacred scripture, church teachings and church traditions alive on our trips and become so tangible that one gets to engage in their senses in the process of learning. We bring all these in with the simple understanding that pilgrimages as such tend to be reflective of our larger pilgrimage of life as faithful Christians.

2016 PILGRIMAGE St Vitus Cathedral, Prague

Basilica di Santa Maria Magiorre, Rome

St Mary’s Church, Old Town Square, Krakow

Basilica of St Paul, Outside the Wall, Rome

St Peter’s Basilica, Rome

Polish Papal Cream Cake, Krakow

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POLAND For the pilgrims who already have a devotion to the Divine Mercy chaplet and special affection for St Pope John Paul II, our visit to Krakow was like a homecoming long overdue. SJPII’s Family Home Museum and the Shrine of St Faustina allowed the pilgrims to truly dive into the lives and holiness of the two saints. On the other hand, the AuschwitzBirkenau Concentration Camp offered a valuable insight into the lives of St Maximillian Kolbe and the likes who were persecuted in the Nazi occupation.

CZECH REPUBLIC A visit into the Prague Castle gave the pilgrims a brief Parisian experience as they step foot into the famed St Vitus Cathedral which was modelled after the Notre Dame in Paris. It was also a pinnacle end to the pilgrimage as our last significant stop was at the Church of Our Lady Victorious, a church hidden from view in the midst of bustling Prague. Finally encountering the statue of the Infant Jesus in this church, many of the pilgrims admitted having already a devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague and have over the years received multiple blessings and graces from their devotion.

Baldachin in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome

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2016 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE

ENCOUNTERING JESUS CHRIST & HIS APOSTLES IN THE

Holy Land 22 NOV - 1 DEC 2016

View of Sea of Galilee

O

ut of the main three trips the Splendour Project organises each year, namely to Rome (in September), Greece & Turkey (in October) and to the Holy Land (in November and sometimes March), the latter for us, is a relatively easier trip in terms of organisation, by the sheer fact that we’ve been there for a good number of times. However, as manageable as the trip is, there is no substitute for the intense spirituality that we encounter each trip as we journey with different pilgrims.

In November 2016, 45 pilgrims encountered Jesus Christ and His apostles as they joined us on their very first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where it all began. As most of them had not been with the Splendour Project before, we could tell that many were nervous, anxious and even a little apprehensive, generally, about the safety in the Holy Land. But as with all things faith, they had their faith in us, and it was all we needed.

From our gathering at KLIA to our arrival in Jordan, we travelled with the pilgrims in anticipation. While the pilgrims were nervous, we kept reminding them there was nothing to worry about if they followed our instructions carefully. Nerves were relatively eased up when our first Mass was celebrated at Mt Nebo, Jordan, where Moses last stood, looking over the promised land before his death.

Ruins of a synagogue, Capernaum

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2016 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE Old City of Jerusalem, viewed from Mt of Olives

The first part of our pilgrimages to the Holy Land is focused on the early ministry of Jesus and His apostles surrounding the area of Galilee. Some of the shrines and churches we visited included Cana (of the first miracle), Capernaum (St Peter’s House), Nazareth (Virgin Mary and St Joseph’s residence), Tabgha (Church of Beatitudes), Jordan River and Sea of Galilee. This normally amounts to three nights in the region of Galilee.

Following the formation syllabus developed by Deacon Sherman based on the Gospels of Mark, Luke, John and Matthew and the New Testament, we moved on to the region of Judea for the remaining 5 days. This is usually the spiritual part of the trip which intensifies as we journey with the pilgrims through Jesus’ later days following up to his death.

We explored the Mt of Olives, to places like Dominos Flevit where Jesus wept for Jerusalem and the Garden of Gethsemane where He wept and sweat blood before His crucifixion. We also prayed the Way of the Cross following the stations marked along the Old City of Jerusalem and ended in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified, died, anointed and resurrected from the dead.

By the time the pilgrimage draws to an end, the pilgrims, although physically and emotionally spent, have undoubtedly, gone through an irreplaceable experience that would have renewed, rejuvenated and reawakened their faith. Tears shed, friendships forged, knowledge built, and faith strengthened, only then do we feel like we’ve done our bit to bring others to Christ.

Melchite Church, Nazareth

Jordan River

Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth

Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves, Tabgha

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ENCOUNTER MOTHER CHURCH AND THE HOLY SAINTS IN

ROME & EASTERN EUROPE 27 SEP - 11 SEP 2017

DAY 1 | 27 NOV (MON) KLIA Assemble at KLIA at 1625 hours to depart for Rome via Dubai DAY 2 | 25 SEP (MON) DUBAI / ROME (L, D) Flight departs from Dubai to Rome. You will have lunch upon arrival in Rome. The first papal basilica you visit is St Paul’s Basilica Outside the Wall where St Paul’s remains are found here. After that, you will spend some time around St Peter’s Square (if time permits). You will check-in for a 3-night stay in Rome.

DAY 3 | 26 SEP (TUE) ROME (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Proceed to the Vatican Museum to explore the world’s most extensive collection of art. Visit the Sistine Chapel and walk through this sacred site to see Michelangelo’s astounding frescoes. After, step inside St Peter’s Basilica to see why it is so much more than just a church, and gaze at its awe-inspiring architecture.

After lunch, your day continues with a walk around

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downtown Rome to visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, The Coliseum, Pantheon. Location of Mass to be confirmed.

DAY 4 | 27 SEP (WED) ROME (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Visit one of the four great ancient basilicas of Rome, St Mary Major’s Basilica. Visit also St John’s Lateran Church (San Giovanni in Laterano Church) the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, the Pope. Walk over to the

Sunset from the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik, Croatia

PIGLRIMAGE TO ROME & E. EUROPE RM17,990 per person (twin sharing) SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

Scala Sancta (English: Holy Stairs, are a set of 28 white marble steps which according to the Catholic tradition, were the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during the events known as the Passion. Your day continues at the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, one of the seven pilgrimage Churches in the Eternal City. It is well worth a visit for its extraordinary collection of relics from the Holy Land. Location of Mass to be confirmed.

DAY 5 | 28 SEP (THU) ROME / DUBROVNIK (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Check out this morning. Celebrate Mass at the Catacombs of St Callixtus, a series of underground burials that span from the early second century to the fifth century (A.D). Today you will have an early lunch before you transfer to airport for flight to Dubrovnik. You will be spending 2 nights here.

DAY 6 | 29 SEP (FRI) SPLIT / DUBROVNIK (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Head to Dubrovnik town nicknamed “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

We’ll walk about in Dubrovnik to visit at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, notable for its fine altars, especially the altar of St John Nepomuk, made of violet marble. Marvel at the frescoes in St Ignatius Church displaying scenes from the life of St Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit society. Take a walk along Dubrovnik’s famous City Walls that surrounds the Old Town. Celebrate Mass at St Blaise Church: which was erected in the honour of the patron saint, the Church of St Blasius.

• Daily faith formation by Deacon Sherman Kuek • Daily Sacraments and spiritual guidance given by accompanying priest / bishop • Visit the historic places in Rome, where many important events took place in the history of the Church • Witness how the holy lives of the Saints inspired entire towns and cities towards holiness • Experience how our Blessed Virgin Mary has always been there as a pillar of strength for suffering Christians everywhere • Witness how Christianity has suffered and thrived in the midst of persecution and oppression for centuries • Witness the life of St John Paul II and withness the impact of his life in his own home country

WHAT’S INCLUDED • A well-researched booklet (with pictures) and a professional produced hour-long video footage of each trip given to every pilgrim • All meals, accomodation and transport included for the pilgrimage • No cutting corners, no hidden costs, you get what you pay for!

• We prioritise your safety and security, and also your maximum benefit in every pilgrimage • Trips conducted in a way that is unique only to the Splendour Project

TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL 1

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TALK TO US Matthew Kang 016-443 2783 pilgrimages@splendourproject.com www.splendourproject.com www.fb.com/splendourproject.com Communicare | 27

2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE

Salt Mine Church, Poland DAY 7 | 30 SEP (SAT) DUBROVNIK / MEDJUGROJE (B, L, D) Breakfast and faith formation at the hotel. Check out and depart for Medjugorje. Medjugorje literally means “between mountains”. It became an important place of pilgrimage and encouragement for faith and spiritual life for millions of people and thousands prayer groups. If you are able, take a hike to the peak of Cross Mountain also known as Mt Krizevac. A relic of the True Cross of Jesus was received from Rome from Pope Pius XI and built into this cross. Location of Mass to be confirmed. Drop by the Church of St James in Medjugorje before checking into hotel for the night.

*These alleged apparitions have been investigated by the Holy See, and a pronouncement on their veracity is imminent. The materialisation of this component of our pilgrimage will largely depend on the said pronouncement. Alternative plans will be put in place, in obedience to the Sacred Magisterium, if the pronouncement necessitates it.

DAY 8| 01 OCT (SUN) MEDJUGORJE / ZAGREB (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Today you will check out of the hotel then proceed to the Hill of Apparition. It is formerly known as Mount Podbrdo and was the 1st mountain that Our Lady allegedly appeared on to the visionaries of Medjugorje. Location of Mass to be confirmed. We will transfer by coach to Zagreb after lunch. Check into hotel for tonight and tomorrow night.

DAY 9 | 02 OCT (TUE) ZAGREB (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. After breakfast visit St Mark’s Square which consists of the Parliament

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Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, Czech Republic & St Mark’s Church, Stone Gate, and the majestic Cathedral of Assumption. Cathedral of Assumption on Kaptol is a Roman Catholic institution and is not only the tallest building in Croatia, but is also the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps. Don’t miss out St Catherine’s Squarenamed after St Catherine’s Church, probably the most beautiful baroque church in Zagreb, built by Jesuits between 1620 and 1632.

DAY 10 | 03 OCT (TUE) ZAGREB / BUDAPEST (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. After checking out, you will depart for Budapest. Location of Mass to be confirmed. Check in to hotel in Budapest for two nights.

DAY 11 | 04 OCT (WED) BUDAPEST (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. You will then proceed to visit the famous Chain Bridge, the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest with a magnificent view. Visit Matthias Church - a Roman Catholic Church which remains one of the city’s most prominent buildings. Stop by Gellert Hill which offers some of the best panoramic views of Budapest. End your day at St Stephen’s Basilica which is a Roman Catholic basilica and is named in honour of Stephen, the first king of Hungary. Location of Mass to be confirmed.

DAY 12 | 05 OCT (THU) BUDAPEST / ESZERTERGOM / KRAKOW (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Check out to depart for Eszertergom. Location of Mass to be confirmed. On arrival in Eszertergom, you will visit the Esztergom Basilica, the Centre of Roman Catholicism in Hungary. It is also known as the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven & St

2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE

Baptistry in Basilica di Santa Maria Magiorre, Rome Adalbert. You will then continue your journey to Krakow. Lunch will be en-route to Krakow. You will check-in and overnight in the hotel for 3 nights.

DAY 13 | 06 OCT (FRI) KRAKOW (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Then proceed to visit the Wadowice and the famous Salt Mines. You will stop at a house where the future Vicar of Christ was born and raised, the Museum Family Home of John Paul II. After lunch, you will be driven back to Wieliczka. There you will be visiting the Salt Mine. It offers dozens of statues, three chapels and an entire cathedral that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. Location of Mass is to be confirmed.

DAY 14 | 07 OCT (SAT) KRAKOW (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel then visit the Shrine of St Faustina of the Divine Mercy fame, Sanctuary of John Paul II, St Mary’s Church, Wawell Hill and Wawell Castle. St Faustina was a Polish nun who is considered to have been a mystic and visionary and is known and venerated as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. The main attraction of the Sanctuary of John Paul II is an octagonal basement shrine to John Paul II known as the “lower church” of the sanctuary or the Church of the Relics. The centrepiece of the shrine is a simple marble altar in the middle that contains a phial with the relic of the blood of Saint John Paul II displayed in a glass case. End your day in Old Town Square in Krakow and don’t miss St Mary’s Church famed for its magnificent wooden triptych altarpiece depicting the life of Jesus and Mary.

DAY 15 | 08 OCT (SUN) KRAKOW / OSWIECIEM / PRAGUE (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Check out and depart for Auschwitz Concentration Camp in

View from Cross Mountain, Medjugorje, Bosnia Oswieciem. Location of Mass is to be confirmed. The Auschwitz Concentration Camp was established by Germans in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis.

Continue your journey after lunch to Prague. Prague which was not only the capital of the Czech state, but also the seat of two Holy Roman Emperors. You will check in a hotel in Prague for the next 2 nights.

DAY 16 | 09 OCT (MON) PRAGUE (B, L, D) Breakfast and last faith formation in the hotel. Take a look at Charles Bridge, a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic.

After that, visit the Prague Castle, founded more than 1,000 years ago, by Přemysl princes. It includes the Old Royal Palace, three churches and a monastery.

St Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. We will also celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious which houses the Infant Jesus of Prague, a 16th-century Roman Catholic wax-coated wooden statue of child Jesus holding a globus cruciger. End your visit with some local sightseeing in Old Town Square of Prague.

DAY 17 | 10 OCT (TUE) PRAGUE / DUBAI (B) Breakfast in the hotel and check out after that. Transfer to the airport for flight to Dubai. After arriving in Dubai, proceed to board the flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

DAY 18 | 11 OCT (WED) KLIA Arrival in KLIA.

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ENCOUNTER THE EARLY CHURCH AND THE EVANGELISTS IN

GREECE & TURKEY 23 OCT - 09 NOV 2017

DAY 1 | 23 OCT (MON) KLIA Assemble at KLIA to depart for Istanvul via Abu Dhabi DAY 2 | 24 OCT (TUE) ABU DHABI / ISTANBUL (L, D) Flight departs from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul. The first Church you visit is the Church of St Mary Draperis.

Mass will be celebrated here. After that, you will proceed to the hotel in Istanbul for dinner and stay for a night.

DAY 3 | 25 OCT (WED) ISTANBUL / KAVALA (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. From there, you will proceed to the Turkish border and go to Alexandroupolis for lunch. After that, you will continue your journey to Kavala, there you will be able to take photographs. Mass will then be celebrated at St Paul’s Church in Kavala. At the end of the day, you will proceed to a hotel in Kavala for dinner and overnight stay for a night.

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DAY 4 | 26 OCT (THU) KAVALA / PHILIPPI / THESSALONIKI (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. After which you will proceed to Philippi. Mass will be celebrated at Lydia Baptistry. Moving on, you will be visiting the Philippi Achaelogical Site which includes the prison of St Paul, the Agora, the Theatre and three basilicas and the Octoganal Church. After that, you will take a short drive to Thessaloniki for a tour around the city.

This tour covers places like the Hagios Demetrios

Icon workshop, Meteora, Greece

PIGLRIMAGE TO GREECE & TURKEY RM15,590 per person (twin sharing) SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches, Turkey Metropolitan Church, the White Tower and the Statue of Alexander the Great. Check into hotel for the night.

DAY 5 | 27 OCT (FRI) THESSALONIKI / VERIA / KALAMBAKA (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. You will be visiting the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki. Mass will be celebrated at the Altar of St Paul at Veria. After mass, you will get to shop for icons at Kalambaka in an icon workshop. Spend the night here with the grand Meteora in sight.

DAY 6 | 28 OCT (SAT) KALAMBAKA / METEORA / DELPHI (B, L, D) Breakfast, formation and Mass in the hotel. Check out.

You will start today with a visit to two monasteries in Meteora which stand amid a striking scenery, perched on top of a huge rock, which seems to be suspended in mid-air. We will proceed to Delphi to spend the night.

DAY 7 | 29 OCT (SUN) ATHENS (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Check out of the hotel and depart for Hosios Lukas Monastery, where the main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of St Luke, placed at the juncture of the two churches.

Mass will be celebrated in the vicinity of Hosios Lukas Monastery. We will continue our journey to visit to Athens to visit Acropolis of Athens. This is where we see the Pagos, the supreme civil and criminal court of ancient Greece where Paul stood to address the people of Athens. You will check in to stay in Athens.

DAY 8 | 30 OCT (MON) ATHENS / CORINTH / ATHENS / PIRAEUS (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Check out of the hotel and drive to Corinth, the ancient city where St Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. Roam around the archaeological site to see the Bema of St Paul. We

• Daily faith formation by Deacon Sherman covers the New Testament from Acts of the Apostles to Revelation • Daily Sacraments and spiritual guidance given by accompanying priest / bishop • Visit the island of Patmos where St John received the vision of Revelation • Witness the missionary fervour of our early Apostles • Visit the cities of Greece in the exact chronological order that St Paul visited them • Visit the sites of the earliest ecumenical councils in Nicaea, Ephesus and Constantinople • Visit the Hagia Sophia, the grandest Church on the face of the earth before St Peter’s Basilica was built

WHAT’S INCLUDED • Equal proportion of time spent in Greece and in Turkey • A well-researched booklet (with pictures) and a professional produced hour-long video footage of each trip given to every pilgrim • No cutting corners, no hidden costs, you get what you pay for!

• We prioritise your safety and security, and also your maximum benefit in every pilgrimage • Trips conducted in a way that is unique only to the Splendour Project

TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL 1

2

3

4

5

TALK TO US Matthew Kang 016-443 2783 pilgrimages@splendourproject.com www.splendourproject.com www.fb.com/splendourproject.com Communicare | 31

2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE

St Polycarp Church, Smyrna, Turkey

will take a photostop at the Corinth Canal. Mass will be celebrated at the Catholic Cathedral of St Dionysus.

After which, you will visit the Benaki Museum to view the artefacts of the Greek civilisation as well as that of Christian faith as it arrived at the shores of Greece.

Tonight you will have an early dinner before you depart for Piraeus, the port from which the ferry departs for Patmos.

DAY 9 | 31 OCT (TUE) PATMOS / KUSADASI / IZMIR (B, L, D) Upon arrival in Patmos, you will check into hotel for short rest. After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to visit the Holy Grotto of Revelation where Mass will be celebrated in the vicinity. Then, you will be visiting the monastery of St John, a fortified orthodox monastery. Your journey continues from the Patmos port to board the ferry (private charter) to Kusadasi, Turkey. You will check in to the hotel in Izmir for the night.

DAY 10 | 01 NOV (WED) IZMIR / BERGAMA / THYATIRA / KUSADASI (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Begin the day at St Polycarp Church, the oldest church in Izmir and represents ancient Smyrna’s role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Mass will be celebrated here.

After that, you will visit ancient Smyrna and Pergamum (two of the Seven Churches of Revelation). After lunch, you will be visiting Thyatira (one of the Seven Churches of Revelation). We will transfer to Kusadasi

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Patmos Island, Greece

to spend the night.

DAY 11 | 02 NOV (THU) EPHESUS / PHILADELPHIA / SARDIS / PAMUKKALE (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Today you will celebrate Mass at the house of Mother Mary in Ephesus where she stayed until she was assumed into heaven. You will visit the Ephesus Archaeological Site where a splendid façade of the Library of Celcus, the conspicuous amphitheatre, the commercial agora, the brothel, and the Temple of Hadrian, among other structures can be seen. After that, you will depart for Philadelphia, a visit to Sardis and Laodicea (three of the Seven Churches of Revelation). Check in to the hotel in Pamukkale for the night.

DAY 12 | 03 NOV (FRI) PAMUKKALE / KONYA / CAPPDOCIA (B, L, D) Formation, breakfast and Mass in the hotel. You will start this morning with a visit to the Travetine, also known as the Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale. After that, you will visit the ruins of Hierapolis where St Philip the Apostle was martyred in 1 AD. The city also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned

by St Paul in his letter to the Colossians. You will then proceed to Konya (Iconium) where you will visit Caravanserai, a stop for medieval traders. Then, you will be driven to Cappadocia where you will spend two nights.

2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGE

DAY 13 | 04 NOV (SAT) CAPPADOCIA (B, L, D) Formation, breakfast and Mass in the hotel. This morning’s visit includes an extensive tour to the Goreme Open Air Museum which resembles a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own fantastic church. After that, you will also visit the Underground City where local Christians used to hide from the Romans and the Muslims. The rest of the day will be spent around some notable stops in Cappadocia.

DAY 14 | 05 NOV (SUN) CAPPADOCIA / ANKARA / BALIKESIR (B, L, D) Formation, breakfast and Mass in the hotel. You will start the day as you depart for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey and the second largest city in the country after Istanbul. On the way, you will be visiting the Salt Lake which occupies a tectonic depression in the central plateau of Turkey. Journey continues to Bursa where you will check in to stay in Balikesir City.

DAY 15 | 06 NOV (MON) BALIKESIR / IZNIK / ISTANBUL (B, L, D) Formation and breakfast in the hotel. Today you will depart for Iznik which is formally known as Nicaea to visit the site of the two Councils of Nicaea where the Nicene Creed was formulated. Lunch will be followed by your departure for Istanbul. Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St Esprit. You will check into the

hotel in Istanbul for the next 2 nights.

DAY 16 | 07 NOV (TUE) ISTANBUL (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Anthony of Padua, the biggest active Catholic Church in Turkey. It is under the custody of the OFM Conventuals. After that, you will cruise along the Straits of Bosphorus which abridges the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

Moving on, don’t miss out on the visit to the Hagia Sophia, the former See of Constantinople during the Byzantine era which now stands as a museum. Next, you will visit Chora Church which contains one of the best-preserved collections of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes everywhere. Stroll along the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the whole world.

We gather one last time this evening for concluding session with Deacon Sherman.

DAY 17 | 08 NOV (WED) ISTANBUL / ABU DHABI Breakfast and closing Mass in the hotel. You will depart for Kuala Lumpur via Abu Dhabi.

DAY 18 | 09 NOV (THU) KUALA LUMPUR Arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

Communicare | 33

ENCOUNTER JESUS CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES IN THE

HOLY LAND 27 NOV - 7 DEC 2017

DAY 1 | 27 NOV (MON) KLIA Assemble at KLIA to depart for Amman via Abu Dhabi DAY 2 | 28 NOV (TUE) AMMAN / ALLENBY BRIDGE / NAZARETH (L, D) Flight departs from Abu Dhabi to Amman. The first shrine you visit is at Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Mass will be celebrated here. After that, you will proceed to Allenby Bridge to cross over the River Jordan into Israel. Continue the drive up to Tiberias for dinner and overnight stay for the next three nights.

DAY 3 | 29 NOV (WED) REGION OF GALILEE (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Travel to Tabgha: Church of Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, built to commemorate the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Celebrate Mass at Cana: Church of the First Miracle of Cana and renew your marital vows where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. Proceed to Nazareth and visit the

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Church of St Joseph which was built over the cave which served as Joseph’s carpentry workshop. Pray the Rosary at Basilica of Annunciation which stands on the traditional site where the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the Saviour.

DAY 4 | 30 NOV (THU) REGION OF GALILEE (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation in the hotel. Travel to Tabgha and celebrate Mass at the Church of Beatitudes

View of the Sea of Galilee from Mt of Beatitudes

PIGLRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND RM12,500 per person (twin sharing) SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

which is the traditional site of Jesus’ delivery of the Sermon on the Mount. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee here. Proceed to Church of Peter’s Primacy where He restored Peter to himself after the disciple’s three denials by asking him three times if Peter loved Jesus. After that, drop by Capernaum: The Town of Jesus that is home to a celebrated Byzantineera synagogue as well as the house where Jesus healed a paralytic and St Peter’s mother-in-law. Your day continues with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Proceed to Mount Tabor: Church of Transfiguration which is the place of the Transfiguration of Christ since the 4th century AD. DAY 5 | 01 DEC (FRI) REGION OF GALILIEE (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Check out this morning. Head for Caesrea-Philippi, a city of GreekRoman culture known for its worship of foreign gods, where Jesus announced he would establish a church and gave authority over it to the apostle Simon — whom he renamed Peter. Stop by Stella Maris Monastery @ Haifa for Mass en-route to Bethlehem. Check in, dinner and overnight in Bethlehem for 5-night stay.

DAY 6 | 02 DEC (SAT) REGION OF JUDEA (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. In Bethlehem, visit Shepherds’ Field in which the Gospel of Luke tells us, an angel announced the birth of Jesus to a flock of shepherds. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity built on the birth site of Jesus. Stop by the Milk Grotto where tradition has it that while Mary was nursing Jesus here, a drop of milk fell to the ground, turning it white. Later, renew your baptismal promise at Qasr el-Yahud at the Jordan River. Stop by Jericho: Mount of Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. End your day with a swim at the Dead Sea.

• Daily faith formation by Deacon Sherman covers Four Gospels and the New Testament • Daily Sacraments and spiritual guidance given by accompanying priest / bishop • Visit the places of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, death and ressurection • Follow the footsteps of the disciples who followed Jesus • Understand the Gospels in a way that you’ve never known before • Witness the life of those who lived and journeyed with Jesus

WHAT’S INCLUDED • Every single night is spent in the Holy Land, no time wasted • A well-researched booklet (with pictures) and a professional produced hour-long video footage of each trip given to every pilgrim • All meals, accomodation and transport included for the pilgrimage • No cutting corners, no hidden costs, you get what you pay for!

• We prioritise your safety and security, and also your maximum benefit in every pilgrimage • Trips conducted in a way that is unique only to the Splendour Project

TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL 1

2

3

4

5

TALK TO US Matthew Kang 016-443 2783 pilgrimages@splendourproject.com www.splendourproject.com www.fb.com/splendourproject.com Communicare | 35

2017 SPLENDOUR PILGRIMAGES DAY 7 | 03 DEC (SUN) REGION OF JUDEA (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel (no formation today). Arrive in one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem Old City. Visit the Mount of Olives beginning from Holy Ascension which contains what is traditionally the last footprint of Jesus on earth before he ascended into heaven. Proceed to Pater Noster, where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Celebrate Mass at the teardrop Church of Dominus Flevit, the site which recalls the Gospel incident where Jesus wept over the city. Afterwards, visit the Church of All Nations, built over the rock on which Jesus prayed the night before He was crucified just beside the Garden of Gethsemane. This afternoon, travel to Ein Karem to visit the Church of the Visitation where a pregnant Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. You will also visit the Church of St John the Baptist, built over the Grotto of his birthplace.

DAY 8| 04 DEC (MON) REGION OF JUDEA (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Today you will follow the Via Dolorosa to retrace the last steps of Jesus praying the Stations of the Cross. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Visit the Dormition Abbey, identified in Christian tradition as the place where the Virgin Mary died. Also, visit the Cenacle, where the last supper and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples were believed to have taken place. Travel to Caiaphas’ Palace - known today as St Peter in Gallicantu - where St Peter denied Jesus for three times in one of its courts.

DAY 9 | 05 DEC (TUE) REGION OF JUDEA (B, L, D) Breakfast and formation at the hotel. Travel to Bethany: Church of St Lazarus to celebrate Mass.

Here, in the cemetery just below the village, He raised Lazarus from the dead. Later, enter the Old City of Jerusalem through St Stephen’s Gate to access the Church of St Anne and Bethesda Pool marking the place where the parents of the Virgin Mary lived and

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem where Jesus healed a paralytic. Next, stop by for a quick visit to the Western Wall, a permanent place of worship for Jews. Tonight, gather for the final time as Deacon Sherman has the last formation session.

DAY 10 | 06 DEC (WED) ALLENBY BRIDGE (B, L) Breakfast and checkout of the hotel. Proceed to Allenby Bridge to cross over to Jordan. Have a farewell lunch in Amman en-route transfer to Amman airport for flight to Abu Dhabi.

DAY 11 | 07 DEC (THU) AMMAN / KL Your flight departs Abu Dhabi for Kuala Lumpur.

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Extend your trip after the pilgrimage with 2 extra nights in Petra, Jordan!

Explore the wonders of Jordan with a local tour guide, including the Rose City of Petra for an additional of RM2,900 per person (twin sharing).

COMMUNICARE by The Splendour Project 2017 © All rights reserved www.splendourproject.com www.facebook.com/splendourproject.com matthew@splendourproject.com