Canon David Humphries is the Rector of Kilbride (Connor). He has twenty-five years of experience in leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land. He has an in-depth knowledge of the land and its people and personally directs every aspect of the pilgrimage from planning to completion. David often engages other clerical colleagues to support his own considerable pastoral skills, biblical knowledge and spiritual insight. To ensure the best possible experience for pilgrims, David uses the services of McCabe Pilgrimages which is an ATOL protected company. This specialist company makes all the travel and accomodation arrangements and facilitates the specific requirements of each pilgrimage group. The hotels used in the Holy Land are always of a high standard with the emphasis on comfort, location, good food and friendly, helpful staff. David is very often assisted by the Revd Amanda Adams, who is Rector of Ballyrahshane & Kildollagh. The two leaders have operated very successfully for several years now, and their planning and supervising of each spiritual journey is painstaking and meticulous.
Each pilgrimage is accompanied by a local guide. David ensures that these guides are not only skilled and knowledgeable but sensitive to the spiritual needs of Christian pilgrims. As pilgrimage is about journeying, we use only the most reputable coaching companies with expert drivers and safe and comfortable coaches. Together the guide and driver quickly become members of the pilgrimage family.
Pilgrims come from all over Ireland, often from different Christian denominations and some return year after year. Each pilgrimage group meets together at least three times before the trip so that they can get to know each other, ask questions, and be prepared for the amazing journey that lies ahead. It's wonderful to see friendships grow, and the occasional reunion allows pilgrims to catch up and revisit their Holy Land memories together. Pilgrimage suits individual travellers, couples and friends as well as church groups. All are made welcome.
The joy of pilgrimage is that the experience of each place is both personal and precious to the individual pilgrim and enhanced by being with fellow travellers. Differing individual reactions and experiences are among the blessings of pilgrimage and remind us that God's Spirit is moving amongst us. On pilgrimage we don't just journey through a place, but aim to allow each place to journey through us.