Testimonials

My time in the Holy Land was a wonderful and transformative experience in my religious life. Being in the land of Jesus and participating in such an enriching study program of John's Gospel brought me great joy and an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth.

The program was impeccably organized, providing the perfect blend of study, reflection, and rest. It was heartening to see how quickly we, a group of participants including priests, deacons, and laypeople from various countries, bonded. Despite not knowing each other beforehand, our shared faith and diverse cultural experiences united us. We became one body, attentive and supportive of each other, as if we had been friends for years. Our connections remain strong, and we continue to stay in touch through WhatsApp, sharing news and greetings during special occasions.

This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of stepping away from routine life to draw closer to God and renew our knowledge and spirit. The course was inspirational and exceeded all expectations. The care, and profound insight into the scriptures were evident in every aspect of the program.

I am deeply grateful to CBF for the time, effort and love invested in this course. May others continue to be blessed and nourished by the gifts we received in the Holy Land. It was an incredible journey, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of this experience in my life and hopefully reconnecting CBF in the future.

It was an unforgettable and enriching experience.
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Sr Carina Gris

NDS

Egypt

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Having attended the study program on the Gospel of St. Mark, I was moved in ways I had not expected. Exceeding my expectations on its academic excellence, with Dr. Luttick Ph.D. from the Australian Catholic University, it gifted me with an experience of historical and spiritual development which I was not anticipating.

The lecturer guided us across the landscape of Jerusalem and beyond; to the sites which marked significantly relative locations in the Gospels, not only unpacked the history of the areas, but gave a deep understanding of the religion-political-cultural contexts of scripture and terrain which was absolutely remarkable and thought provoking. It allowed for much discussion, debate and critical learning.

The friendships that developed as a result of an intense and enriching weeks still hold true today. The professional contacts have since assisted me with various academic enquiries. The facilities were efficient, clean and welcoming. All staff were incredibly hospitable, remarkably knowledgeable, strong people of faith who incidentally, were also incredibly funny. We all had a life-changing 15 days, and I'd return for another program as soon as the opportunity arises.

Lydia Guerrini

Religious Education Teacher- Mercy College; Western Australia

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Ecce Homo is for me a unique oasis of reflection in the midst of a land that holds such a rich history of civilization and spirituality.  Returning there for ‘The Gospel according to Mark’ did not disappoint. The course offered a unique and refreshing look at the Gospel of Mark, a time to reflect on and understand the mind of Mark with the people of that time and place in the land of that same narrative.  

It was deeply moving to journey through the land and places where Jesus walked and talked with his disciples. To reflect in Capernaum, along the Lakeside, beside the synagogue that dates from the time of Jesus, to celebrate Eucharist along the Sea of Galilee and in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was particularly moving. It was also so enriching and enjoyable to be welcomed and have the opportunity to share with the team of the Centre of Biblical Formation, and with the group of participants. I hold all of them so much in my heart. 

Fr. John Marren

St Patrick’s Missionary Society

Ireland

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Experiencing Jerusalem as a participant in The Gospel of Mark, a program offered at the Center for Biblical Formation, over 15 days was the best context to understand who Jesus is [Who do you say I am? Mark 8.27, 29] in the 21st century. This immersive journey utilized historical, literary, and hermeneutical approaches led by Dr Janine Luttick Ph.D, enhanced by on-site presentations at historical locations such as Nazareth, Masada, the Dead Sea, Qumran, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, and Magdala. Walking through the Temple Mount, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher added profound depth to the experience.

My time in Jerusalem was further enriched by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion (NDS) and the Chemin Neuf Community, who witness to the world God’s love for the Jewish people by their presence in Jerusalem. This journey also offered a glimpse into the importance of dialogue to understand the political tension between Palestinian and Israeli people.

The camaraderie among my fellow participants, whom I had never met before, was an unexpected gift. We shared a deep religious commitment to the program, and I am thankful for everyone who shaped the course and made it an interactive learning experience.

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Sr Victoria Brady

retired

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, RSM

California, USA

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Jonathan Goodfellow's transformative journey: A moving experience of the Gospel of John study in the Holy Land.

Please read the full story here https://stpeterscatholic.church/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shine-Issue-16-1.pdf
Shine Issue 16, April 2024 Article: Our journey in Jerusalem by Jonathan Goodfellow
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Jonathan Goodfellow

Retired Probation Officer

Stockport, England, UK

It was so special to have been in Jerusalem for the Jewish High Holy Days. The experience was profound on 3 levels – the people, the teaching and the place(s).

The relationships which grew in those days in the group were also developed across cultures, though we were mainly Catholics. The sisters facilitated this in such a lovely way, welcoming and befriending us into their home,supported by the teams they have built around them, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, united in such a divided setting - witnessing and shining God to us!

I am grateful for the opportunity to study the themes and images of John’s Gospel – water and new life, the Good Shepherd, the Temple, the Living Bread. John’s Gospel will always evoke a ‘heads up’ in me and a reminder of this experience.
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The teaching we received from Dr. Luke Macnamara OSB was powerful, not just for the knowledge imparted, but for the way in which he engaged each person. I felt encouraged in my diaconate and in my doctoring and my family. He brought us to encounter Jesus in the many stories; we looked at Lazarus, the Blind Man, the paralytic, the Samaritan woman at the well, Mary in the garden at the Resurrection. I was moved to tears by the love of Jesus. I felt like Peter: “Leave me Lord, I am a sinful man”.  

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John McKay

Deacon

St. Peter's Hazel Grove Stockport

England, UK

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Having the opportunity to engage with the Bible ‘on the ground’ was an experience like no other. From being able to immerse in the Gospel of Mark while visiting key locations, to engaging with stakeholders from the Jewish and Islamic faith, this experience was one of a lifetime.

I tremendously enjoyed every minute of the two-week formation with lots of rich discussions facilitated by our leader Dr Janine Luttick Ph.D. Experiencing the landmarks that I had only read about before and brought new meaning to Scripture. This opportunity breathed new life into my spirituality and faith and created great friendships. I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you CBF and the wonderful family of the Sisters of our Lady of Sion.

Laetitia Malusu

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity and Mission, P-12

Marymede Catholic College/South Morang

Australia

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In 2023, I travelled to the Holy Land and spent two weeks in the Old City of Jerusalem engaging with the Bible, the people, and the land through a study of the Gospel of Mark offered by the Centre for Biblical Formation (CBF). Our principal presenter, Dr Janine Luttick, led us through a most engaging and personally enriching study of Mark’s Gospel. Interspersed through the program were numerous trips both through which we retraced the very paths and locations where the events of the Gospel took place, bringing the text to life in a profound way.

The CBF also arranged guest presenters who shared their faith traditions (Orthodox Jew, Islam) and the complex history of the region that underpins the challenges that exist today.  These presentations deepened our understanding of both scriptures we were studying and what we were witnessing in the Holy lands.

Adding to the richness of the program was our stay at Ecce Home in the Old City. To be in the heart of the Old City allowed me to experience firsthand the significance of this area for the three main Abrahamic religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Participating in this live-in study program at Ecce Homo in the Old City was nothing short of transformative, a captivating journey that immersed me in the intertwining threads of people, history, and spirituality.

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Nicole Mangelsdorf

Principal

Kilbreda College, Mentone, Melbourne

Australia

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