Anam Cara Travel

St. Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament, is believed to have spent a significant part of his life in Egypt, contributing to the establishment of Christianity in the region. While historical details can be challenging to verify, tradition holds that Mark traveled to Alexandria in Egypt, and played a crucial role in spreading the Christian faith.

According to early Christian accounts, Mark arrived in Alexandria in the mid-first century, possibly around AD 49, and began preaching the Gospel. His teachings attracted a following, and he is said to have performed miracles, including healing the sick. Tradition & faith also inform that Mark founded the Church of Alexandria, becoming its first Bishop.

The most well-known episode from St. Mark's life in Egypt is the story of him converting a cobbler named Anianus. Mark is said to have miraculously healed Anianus, leading to his conversion, and subsequently, the establishment of the Church in Alexandria.

St. Mark's time in this ancient land was not without challenges. He faced opposition from local pagan priests, and his efforts to spread Christianity were met with resistance. Despite these obstacles, he persevered in his mission.

St. Mark is often associated with the creation of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Coptic tradition asserts that Mark introduced Christianity to Egypt and laid the foundation for the Coptic Christian community, therefore, its first Patriarch.

Tragically, St. Mark's life came to a violent end. Around AD 68, during the festival of Serapis in Alexandria, a mob seized Mark, dragged him through the streets, and eventually martyred him by tying him to a horse's tail. His remains were later interred in the Church he had founded.

St. Mark's legacy in Egypt is profound, as he is not only remembered as a gospel writer but also as a missionary who played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity in the region. The Coptic Church continues to venerate St. Mark, and his influence is evident in the rich Christian heritage of the country. The seat of the Coptic Pope is referred to as the See of St Mark.

Did you know: The monasteries of Wadi el Natrun, located in northern Egypt, are significant for their historical and religious importance. They form a cluster of ancient Christian monastic communities, dating back to the 4th century. These monasteries played a crucial role in the development of Christian monasticism and have preserved valuable manuscripts, architecture, and traditions over centuries. They are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer insights into the early Christian ascetic lifestyle in the Egyptian desert. We are looking forward to welcoming our tour groups to these Monasteries in 2024!

To all our friends around the world, we wish each of you a blessed Easter.

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear.

Happy St Patrick's Day to all our friends from throughout Ireland and Britain! Hope you all enjoy a great day.

St Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me,
Christ be beside me,
Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me,
Christ be at my right hand,
Christ be at my left hand,
Christ be with me everywhere I go,
Christ be my friend for ever and ever.
Amen.

Great to return to Roma for the last few days - planning our school & pilgrimage tours for the next few months. March is an excellent time to visit the Eternal City - very little tourists about! Had the opportunity to spend 30 minutes alone in the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem.

St. Helen (248- 329 AD) was the mother of Constantine I ( Emperor in 306). He gave her the title of Augusta (meaning Empress). In the year 324, when her son moved the capital of the Empire to Constantinople, she was presented with the opportunity to live in the Palatium Sessorianum; which then became her exclusive residence.

In 327- 328 A.D. Helen undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to visit the places of the Passion of Christ; during this trip, as the historian Eusebius informs, she became involved in numerous acts of Christian piety and construction of churches, including the Holy Sepulchre, and importantly, she rescued the relics of the Cross of Jesus.

Upon returning to Rome, the Empress adapted part of the Palatium Sessorianum as a chapel to host the relics, and later, a baptistery was added to this small room. The chapel has been modified many times over the centuries. In the 16th century, the vault was decorated with a stunning golden mosaic; at the centre is a very rare example of the 'Smiling Christ', in the act of Blessing.

Wishing all our clients around the world, a blessed Christmas and a peaceful, joyous New Year! With great alacrity, we welcome the possibility of escorting you to some of our favourite destinations in 2022. The Footsteps of Saint Paul on Malta in late March will be our first scheduled pilgrimage for the new season. Thank you for your continued support.

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:10-12

Happy St Patrick's Day to all our friends from throughout Ireland and Britain! Looking forward to brighter days ahead....

St Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me,
Christ be beside me,
Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me,
Christ be at my right hand,
Christ be at my left hand,
Christ be with me everywhere I go,
Christ be my friend for ever and ever.
Amen.