Ampleforth Society Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Update
Greetings from the Valley!
Along with all our other events, we have taken the decision to postpone the inaugural Ampleforth Society Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which would have taken place from 1 to 8 April. JC Tours has written to all those booked on the Pilgrimage to notify them of the decision.
However, demand for the Holy Land pilgrimage remains high. Fr Henry has agreed, with the kind consent of Fr Gabriel, to run two Pilgrimages later in the year for the Society, assuming a return to normality by then.
We have pencilled in alternative dates in July and August, and have plans in place for a tour of Rome, Subiaco and Monte Cassino in September led by Major-General Sir Sebastian Roberts K.C.V.O. O.B.E. (J72). In the event that restrictions are still in place on these dates we will postpone all our planned pilgrimages and historical / cultural trips until 2021.
At the moment our 2021 schedule includes the Holy Land pilgrimage in April and a tour of Corinth and the Peloponnese, following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, in September. In the light of the very high demand, we will review our schedule and add in additional trips as restrictions and schedules allow.
We feel it is right that members of the Society who have already booked or been added to the reserve list should be given first option on future trips, whether they be later this year or in 2021. However, if you have not already booked and would like to join one of our trips, please get in touch with Jane Roberts on Jane.Roberts@JCJourneys.com or 01886 812862. Please note that, to avoid confusion or double booking, only reservations made directly with JC Tours will be accepted.
We are very grateful to all those who have expressed support for this project, and for JC Tours for helping us to arrange (and re-arrange) these trips. The postponement of the April pilgrimage is disappointing; however, it is a postponement, not a cancellation and we look forward to a series of amazing and joyful trips to the Holy Land and other destinations when restrictions are eased. In anticipation, we have created the Holy Land Pilgrimages group on Ampleforth Global, open to all interested in joining a pilgrimage and a place to add your views, reflections and photos.
With thanks, prayers and hope.
Jeremy Deedes
Managing Trustee
The Ampleforth Society