Magdala’s Duc in Altum is dedicated to the public life of Jesus. Its beautiful art work highlights His transforming encounters with people of his day. As we enter the building, we are captivated by the Women’s Atrium. Art and architecture invite us into the Gospel stories.
Enclosed in a circle of majestic columns, we muse on the lives of the women whose gilded names are inscribed on them. They followed the Lord, having been healed and liberated by him (cf Luke 8:3). It seems that they never forgot what Jesus did for them. They bravely stood their ground, throughout his suffering and death, at the foot of the cross.
Master artist, Maria Jesus Ortiz de Fernandez, skilfully wove archaeological elements of ancient Magdala into her work. A circular mosaic pattern, from which the columns emerge, echoes the mosaic of Magdala’s first century synagogue. Likewise, the colors on the walls are the colors of the ancient frescos.
Soon you find yourself staring at a column without a name. We are told that this column represents all women, made in God’s image and likeness, with a unique contribution to make in the faith formation of each generation.
- Mary Magdalene, “apostle to the apostles”, here in her hometown, seems to remind us that we too are called to support Jesus and his disciples from our own substance (Luke 8,3).
- Susana and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, show us how to be faithful followers of Jesus (Luke 8:3)
- Mary and Martha teach how to grow in friendship with Jesus (Luke 10:38)
- Salome, mother of James and John and wife of Zebedee (Matthew 20:20), reminds us that the most important petition to request of Jesus is that he have our children sit at his right and left, even if this means partaking in his chalice.
- Simon Peter’s mother-in-law shows us how to acknowledge Jesus’ healing and blessings. It is time to get up and serve him and his followers. (Matthew 8:15)
- Mary, wife of Cleopas, present at his crucifixion (John 19:25), shows us how to persevere through the grace of God.
- Many other women, who followed and supported Jesus, (Mark 15:41), teach us to serve quietly without seeking praise or fame.
So when you return to the unmarked Pillar, what is the Holy Spirit inviting you to do?
