Since visiting the Holy Land, I find that when I now attend mass I recall so many holy places in Galilee, Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Land.  Mass has become so alive, so intimate. 

I will be taking a beautiful trip to Rome, Assisi, Florence, Venice and Germany in a few months.  These stunning European cities will be breathtaking to behold with so many place to visit.  We will travel through the Black Forest and see the amazing Alps!! 

Yet, my heart longs to return to Galilee.  I recall my first visit to the Holy Land.  One night, our group was returning from a long day of sightseeing.  The sun had set and the moon had risen as we drove towards the Sea of Galilee.  The bus turned a corner in the road when suddenly the moon hung in breathtaking beauty above the Sea of Galilee and reflected its rays upon the sea.  My breath caught in my throat.  I had put my camera away due to the darkness.  How I wished that I was able to take a picture and capture the beauty of God's glory that I saw with my eyes.  I have never forgotten that scene and never will. 

There is something very special about the Sea of Galilee.  I know Jesus still walks along the edge of the sea gazing at its beauty.  He also gazes into

Presence of Jesus Today

By Carolyn M. Kenney

 One morning last March, I woke to see the sun climbing slowly above a serene body of water outside my hotel window.  I had arrived in the Holy Land and was gazing peacefully at the Sea of Galilee.  Birds flew over and around the sun as it rose above low-lying mountains, its golden hue reflecting on the water below.  I have never witnessed a more compelling sight in my life; on first glance, my heart skipped