Impressions of Magdala from a Jewish woman

After participating in the symposium “Women of Influence”, organized at Magdala in March of this year, I felt sure I would come back for another visit. I was impressed by the women of the various walks of life and religions, and their stories so generously shared with us. I was equally impressed by the aesthetics…

The Significance of July 22 in Magdala!

July 22 was a special day in the Catholic Church, and even more special for Magdala.  It was a day to celebrate a woman’s role in evangelizing.  It was a day to celebrate the life-giving freedom of being made new in Christ and being sent to announce the good news: Jesus is alive! After the…

Sunrise

“Lord, make your face shine on us and we will be saved.” Psalm 80:19 The scorching daily sun, the hot whisking, afternoon winds and weeks of cloudless skies form part of the summertime Magdala experience. This doesn’t stop us from climbing up Mt. Arbel at 5:00 am to see the strong orange and red beams…

Celine Kelly Joins her Brother at Magdala

In early July we welcomed a new team member. Celine Kelly is originally from the Burren area of County Clare, Ireland. She says: “I am delighted to join my older brother, Fr. Eamon, at Magdala. This is the first time in forty years that we are assigned to the same ministry and we look forward…

Letter from Fr. Juan IX

Dear Friends of Magdala: I would like to wish all a peaceful and joyous summer that I hope you can enjoy with some days of rest and alongside your families. (at least in the northern hemisphere). We are living in the month of July when for the first time we celebrated the Feast of Saint…

The Inaugural Feast Day of Mary Magdalene

Christians Assemble At Magdala To Celebrate The Inaugural Feast Day Of Mary Magdalene. More than 300 Christians gathered for the very first Feast Day of Mary Magdalene in her hometown of Magdala. The event on July 23 was the first celebration of this Feast Day, declared by Pope Francis just 6 weeks ago. It honors…

Letter from Fr. Juan VIII

Dear Friends of Magdala, Our project continues to grow not just in the physical and material construction of the campus (as you will see from the photographs) — but through God´s own providence, Magdala is growing in his message and spirituality, as well. In this newsletter you will see that Magdala has been filled with…

The Magdala Prayer Family

A prayer box full of intentions and a common movement of the Holy Spirit among the Magdala staff and many visitors prompted the birth of a world-wide “Upper Room” called the Magdala Prayer Family. Individuals, prayer groups, friends and pilgrims who have come to Magdala are offering their time and prayers for the progress of…

My Privilege…

By Rachel Leach It’s 5:30 am. I have just dragged myself into a rickety VW van with 8 other half-asleep volunteers on our way to Magdala to dig at the archaeological excavation. It’s already about 85 degrees. In 30 minutes I will be toting my buckets, pick, trowel, broom, and dustpan into the 2-meter by…

Love Without Limits: A Father Named Jairus

By Christiane Esser My father was my world; he was there for me whenever I needed him. Every evening I would wait for him to get home from work — I couldn’t fall asleep before he arrived home and gave me a kiss good night. My father worked long and hard, and I knew it…