Salt + Light Media Menu
Salt + Light Media Home
Magnifying Glass
coverPhoto
Premium content

Asset title

Asset description

Sunday night premiere - Within Your Gates: A Pilgrim Guide to the Holy Land

Kris Dmytrenko

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Regular blog readers will recall that in November, Salt + Light filmed extensively in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Tonight we show you the first film from that trip: Within Your Gates: A Pilgrim Guide to the Holy Land.
A view of Old Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives  - Photo: David Le RossThis evening's broadcast commemorates the first anniversary of Pope Benedict's own voyage to the Holy Land. I credit the Holy Father with introducing me to the spirituality of the biblical sites, as I followed him while providing live commentary for his eight-day visit.
As I watched the Pope travel from Amman to Jerusalem, then to Bethlehem and Nazareth, I often wondered whether he was disappointed by the experience. At each stop, he was surrounded by boisterous crowds. Dignities pressed in on him at every turn. Surely he felt the pressure of knowing that every word was being mined for political significance. Cameras stared as he tried to pray.
Orthodox woman at the Holy Sepulchre - Photo: David Le RossSimilarly, my own trip to the Holy Land risked being overwhelmed by external pressures, as I described in an earlier post. I needed to stay focused on my work, which was often undermined by the complicated logistics of filming in a foreign country (whose labyrinthine streets, frustratingly, haven't yet been been mapped by Google).
So, to ensure that I benefited spiritually from the experience, I sought out a Catholic pilgrim guide. Multiple recommendations led me to The Pilgrim's New Guide to the Holy Land by Fr. Stephen Doyle, OFM. The Christian Brothers at Bethlehem University trustingly lent me their out-of-print copy. (Brother Peter: I promise to return it!)
Instead of just deepening my personal journey, Fr. Doyle's descriptions and biblical reflections ended up inspiring the documentary you'll see tonight. Having led countless tours before his retirement, the Franciscan reminds us that pilgrims aren't drawn to the Holy Land for its archaeological importance. Rather, here, in a unique way, the Holy Spirit still sings of the God who broke through and walked among us.
Within Your Gates airs tonight on S+L at 8:30 pm ET (11:30 pm PT). For a preview, watch the Thursday, May 13th edition of Perspectives.


Related Articles:

Category: General Posts

Tag: Franciscan, Holy Land, Israel, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories, pilgrim, pilgrimage, Within Your Gates

My Manresa Story: Resting a While

Monday, February 24, 2025

Gianpaolo Capozzi

At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.

A House Not Made With Hands: St. Anne’s Anglican Church

Friday, February 21, 2025

Scott Harris

In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.

Pray with Pope Francis Reflection – February 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life. 

Pray with Pope Francis Reflection – January 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.

What the CND sisters are looking forward to this Christmas

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Maria Montemayor

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.

SUPPORT LABEL

Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Copyright © 2025 Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001
FR | CH