in 1897, Albert Kirchner accompanied Vincent de Paul Bailly de Surey (1832-1912), aka Father Bailly, the leader of the Pilgrimage, to Palestine. He was invited to join as the cinematographer, as part of using the new medium as religious "propaganda", as Maison de la Bonne Presse intended with their mission into cinematography. The filming device was owned by Léon Berteaux, the director of the printing works of the Maison de la Bonne Presse. This "pilgrimage of penance" to the Holy Land took place from December 17, 1897 to January 22, 1898, with about 200 pilgrims aboard La Nef-du-Salut. The whole journey was documented from the first moments onward. The first screenings took place on the ship.

This is the first ever film from the Holy Land, but it is unfortunately lost.

Kirchner may have filmed some additional scenes for his Passion called "Scenes de la vie du Christ" on this trip.