The Holy Land: An Armchair Pilgrimage Hardcover – September 11, 2013

I've always been on the look out for something that would help me picture in my mind and spur my imagination with the "life and times" aspect of our Lord. I've tried reading other commentary books on the Holy Land and came away disappointed.Thankfully, this book by Fr Packwa is very satisfying.As a Catholic, and for some reason especially in these times, I'm always on guard to read truly inspirational material and not "Catholic Lite" writings that seem to be more an apology for the faith rather than apologetics.Fr Packwa's book brings together in very matter of fact and clear prose the history of the region as a place where divinity intersected humanity, elements of Catholic doctrine that came forth from this encounter, and examples of how humanity responded (both positively and negatively) in its call to holiness.By site, the book contains great color pictures (the book format is "landscape" which enhances many of the long-shot photos) a brief reading from Scripture to set context, then a summary in Fr Pacwa's own style of certain special features that relate to the physicality of the site, and finally a meditation from Fr Pacwa for the reader to draw them into the scene more deeply.The book contained several good "nuggets" of insight about the region that I either had not thought about or misunderstood. I'll leave details about this to prospective readers since this becomes subjective based on a person's spiritual journey. It was comforting to know that the material presented was from an authority on the area (Fr Pacwa has traveled to the sites numerous times - 58 trips to Israel alone - since his time as a grad student, and with more study and experience he now has been given permission to guide his own groups who visit the sites).I recommend this book to any Christian and especially to any Catholic Christian who wants to deepen their faith by way of gaining knowledge and meditating on the physical side of Christ's life on earth and His interaction with both the belivers and unbelievers of the time.P.S. Fr Pacwa has a regular program on EWTN which Catholics should check out if they have not yet done so. Fr Pacwa has a great gift of presentation of deep subject matter which I believe would help anyone wanting to grow their faith.Highly recommended!

Beautiful photos

I recently purchased a copy of this book for $75.97. I had seen it priced as high as $130, so I thought, ok, worth it. The book is smaller than I expected. Significantly. Thinner than I expected (especially for this price point). The photos are sufficient to good, but not great. I'm still reading it so I can't comment fully on the text, though of what I've read so far, I'm content. The big disappointment comes straight out of opening the package because the book is clearly labeled $24.99.This book is absolutely worth $24.99. At that price it is an excellent purchase. But it has gone out of print and so the few who are selling it, are selling it at an outrageous mark up. Based on the price I expected a large, beautiful coffee table type book, filled with glorious images of the Holy Land. I'm enjoying it well enough, but had I known what the book really was, I never would have spent so much money on it.So now I write this review to warn the next buyer. My one star is not based on the book, but based on ridiculously inflated price. The book is roughly an 8x10. The actual size is more like 8.25x9.75, but you get the picture. It is smaller than a standard piece of copy paper. The thickness of the book, not counting the bindings is 0.5 inches. And I'm uploading a photo of the cover and the original price.

Educator, expositor, linguist, translator and priest Mitch Pacwa SJ reveals the force behind our Christian beliefs. It is as though God speaks to our hearts in every location of Christ's 33 year pilgrimage on Earth. Each Holy Site comes to life with a meaning and brilliance that transcends standard history or archeology. Father Mitch focuses on the spiritual essence of each venue and expounds a heavenly discourse. Why would God choose a vast wilderness as a background to teach us spiritual truth? Could it be that life is such a dry wilderness without God? This book is a must for any seeker of truth in the Holy Land.

Great commentary! Not a lot of pictures, which is okay with me because I've been to the Holy Land and have my own pictures, I was looking mostly for commentary. However, for someone who hasn't been there, more pictures would definitely be helpful. Many of the pictures that are included are just of art or statues in the Holy Land, without giving you a feel for the area. But the solid Catholic commentary is definitely worth it!

Every paragraph is filled with descriptive, historical, and though provoking thoughts which makes for a perfect accessory for prayer time. The pictures are impressive, especially since I have traveled to the location and have seen the sights in person. It can be a quick read if one would like, but I prefer to read a chapter (3-4 pages) at a time and let it resonate within my soul for a day.

I am going on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land next month and I heard Fr. Mitch Pacwa on EWTN/KBVM talk about this book so I decided to read about the places I was going to visit. I will also bring the book into the Salem area Correction Facilities to view the places I will be. I cannot wait until I walk in the Footsteps of Jesus. I am a volunteer from St. Joseph Catholic Church /Salem and do Prison Ministry.

I am not reviewing from personal experience, as this was a gift to my brother. He went on a church pilgrimage two years ago. I wanted to do something for his birthday that was meaningful to him. I knew that he knew of this priest/guide. He was thrilled with the concept of this book and my gift. I think he is enjoying the devotionals and pictures.

Beautiful book! Reading this, and looking at the wonderful photos makes me very excited to actually begin my Holy Land pilgrimage in a few months. Thanks, Father Mitch!

I greatly enjoyed the pictures and the tour of the Holy Land by Fr. Pacwa.

good book

I recently visited the Holy Land and needed a reference for some of my photos and visit's. This is beautifuly photographed with background information, some history and prayers. Even my pastor recognized the name of the author. I am grateful.

As others have commented, this is an excellent book by Fr Mitch. One gets a feel of the holy sites through the easy-to-read, but excellent, commentary in the 244 glossy pages of text. Lots of beautiful colour pictures together with clear descriptions enable the reader to visualise this 'guided pilgrimage' of the Holy Land. It is obvious that much thought has been given to the content and presentation of the book. The text is clear and in double-line spacing, making it easy on the eyes.Because it is so enlightening, this book would be a valuable read before visiting the Holy Land. But, I highly recommend it to all.My grateful thanks to the author Father Mitch for producing such a wonderful book.