Local Catholic parishioners on pilgrimage in Israel set to return home soon
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POCATELLO — All of the parishioners from Pocatello who were in Israel when the fighting broke out have been moved to the neighboring country of Jordan to await flights home.
Two groups of Idaho parishioners were in Israel on a pilgrimage this month when the most recent war broke out in the region. One group of pilgrims was largely from Hailey and the other was from the Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church in Pocatello.
“Pocatello is an amazing community, and we are grateful for your prayers,” said Father Emil Parafiniuk in an update posted on the Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church Facebook page on Oct. 12.
Officials with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise confirmed Friday that all of the parishioners have left Israel now, and some have returned home while others still await their flights. Jordan shares a border with Israel, to the country’s east.
“So they are out of harm’s way now,” said Deacon Scott Pearhill, director of communications for the diocese.
According to Pearhill, the group of parishioners from Hailey are now home. Two of the Pocatello pilgrims have also returned home. The rest have made it to Amman, the capital of Jordan. They are expected to be on flights back to the United States on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The update from Parafiniuk said three of the pilgrims had decided to stay in Jerusalem. It’s not clear at this time what changed their minds, but they’ll be flying home with the rest of the pilgrims.
“Our parishioners in Israel are aware of your prayers and expressed their gratitude,” Parafiniuk said.
The Facebook update said the pilgrims aren’t experiencing financial problems and they’re not asking for funds to support their return home.
“Please continue to pray until all arrive home,” Parafiniuk said. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support from all in the area.”