Did you hear that we’re organizing a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this April? It’s going to be awesome! As part of the excitement leading up to this trip, I’m speaking with people who have either been to the Holy Land lately or who live there.
Denise Bossert told us about her trip to the Holy Land in November. Saliba Danho told us about what it was like growing up in the Holy Land and why he still leads and organizes pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Ceci Triska told us about all of her trips to the Holy Land and why she continues to go. Habib Karam told us what it’s like loving in Nazareth and Ikey Korin told us what life is like from the perspective of an Israeli tour guide.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Carolina Hodali Di Marco, a Bethlehem native who works with the Christian Media Center, who create such amazing videos on different sites and events in the Holy Land.
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I was born and raised in Bethlehem. My family is a mixed family. My dad is Palestinian and my mom is Spanish. She has been living in Bethlehem for 42 years now. I was married to an Italian in 2007 and moved to Italy for 7 years. Living in Bethlehem completes my vision for my life, my existence.
I must say living in these two places enriched me a lot. On the one hand I was born in the place where it ALL BEGAN. A place that gives you a sense of simplicity, hope and confusion! Which means not a monotonous life.
The Holy land has many faces and, yes, one face is the political situation, which puts fear in those living in the Holy Land and those living out of the Holy Land. It is complicated to live here, obstacles are everywhere. Especially when we talk about the segregation wall. Being inside a big prison.
However, you lean to adapt and find alternatives. What this place gives you is more than what it takes form you. It gives you real traditions, it gives you the urge to look into your life and decide real priorities, it gives you interesting people with big historical heritage, it gives you the possibility to be in those places where Jesus was born, walked, preached and died, so the will to research his life and research your life is profound.
The daily life emphasizes the importance of women in this part of the world. With all the stereotypes that women are not equal, I can talk about many examples about great women with great achievements.
Carolina at work
I get to visit the sacred sites often, actually. A lot of people who want to go out for a walk would always consider lighting a candle or say a prayer in a sacred place, so it becomes part of your activities. I wish I could visit more other sacred places inside Israel but Palestinians don’t have possibility of free movement around this place on earth!
Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
I think it’s important for Christians to visit the Holy Land. First of all, for the religious aspect. There, you create moments that you won’t forget. These moments create an urge in you to come back – it’s a magical feeling. Second, it’s a perfect opportunity to help locals, artisans, and merchants stay through moving the Palestinian economy. Palestine is encountering a difficult moment and a lot of people are leaving, mainly for economical reasons. Pilgrims need not to see only churches and stones but come see, talk, meet locals.
Some of my favorite places in the Holy Land are the Old City in Jerusalem, for sure, Mount Tabor, Bethlehem, al Qilt valley, Mar Saba monastery, Cremisan convent and Winery, and the Negev desert.
As for the sacred places I think itineraries do a good job and cover most of the places. I think pilgrims should consider sleeping for more than 2-3 days in Bethlehem and Palestinian areas to help the area economically.
Locals are waiting for pilgrims to come. People have a great sense of hospitality and willing to help.
Photos copyright and courtesy of Carolina Hodali DiMarco, unless otherwise indicated.