Letter from Fr. John (XLXVII)

My dear pilgrims: First of all, I want to wish you a Holy Lent. Every human person needs a time of purification, renewal, and revival. That’s what the Church provides us with during the season of Lent. In addition, this year, we are participating on our Exodus: Pilgrimage of Freedom to grow in true human and…

Magdala Through History | The Lover’s Tower

The Lover’s Tower By Fr. Cristobal Vilaroig We have spoken of Italian and Spanish pilgrims who visited the Holy Land in Ottoman times. Now let’s turn to the French who followed after them: the Jesuit, Michel Naud. Father Michel Naud, SJ, came to Galilee around 1670. He could barely see Magdala since, according to him,…

Sun Rising over Sea of Galilee

Poem by Linda Dwyer   Dawn breaking, Sun behind clouds peeping, Red, pink, orange; clouds turning, Golden Sun; full, round, gloriously shining, Yellow rays extending, Holy God gifting, loving, blessing.   Sea of Galilee shimmering, reflecting, Birds calling, dancing, flying, Woof, woof; Soter playing.   Reeds, wildflowers swaying, Flowers red, gold; trees blossoming, Tall, strong…

Magdala in history

Magdala & Taricheae Magdala is a word of Aramaic origin meaning, “tower,” and most probably referring to a building or structure found on site. Furthermore, Magdala appears to be a name used commonly in antiquity in the region to the point where cities with this name would also have had a “last name.” This would…