Dear Members of the Magdala Family,

May has been a month of abundant blessings, and this year is no exception.

The Church dedicates this beautiful spring month to the Virgin Mary in a special way. A cherished tradition during May is for children to offer flowers to Our Lady, fostering in them a filial devotion. It would do us well also to provide her the flowers of our love: the blossoms of genuine faith, a more joyful and transparent Christian life filled with enthusiasm and deeper commitment.

This Holy Year of 2025 has also brought us many unexpected graces, especially the election of Pope Leo XIV. His presence has filled a sense of orphanhood in the Church with the simple goodness of his heart, his determined leadership, and the clarity of his mission through the gestures and decisions he has already taken in these first weeks.

Allow me to share a few meaningful news with you:

On 11 May, we commemorated the anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Notre Dame of Jerusalem, during which he blessed the first stone of what would become the Magdala Center. That very stone now rests in the lobby of Magdala, a tangible reminder of such a profound blessing.

On 26 May, we recall another papal blessing: Pope Francis's visit to Notre Dame of Jerusalem, where he blessed the tabernacle that would, just two days later, be placed upon the radiant Boat Altar during the Consecration of Duc In Altum. Then, on 28 May, we celebrated with great joy the anniversary of that Consecration, presided over by Mons. Fouad Twal, the Emeritus Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to whom we extend our heartfelt remembrance and gratitude.

As if that weren't enough blessings, just a few days ago, Fr. Timothy and I experienced an entirely unexpected grace. After accompanying a pilgrimage and Magdala Prayer Workshop in Medjugorje, our return flight to Tel Aviv via Athens was canceled. This led us to make a providential stopover in Rome, where we could participate in the first General Audience of Pope Leo XIV. We had the joy of hearing a special greeting from his lips to the Legionaries of Christ and the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi. That same morning, we concelebrated the Eucharist in the Vatican Grottos, just before the audience. So many blessings from God, tied to the one who has been called to be the Rock upon which the Church is built, and whose faith we are called to profess as Catholic believers joyfully.

In the same spirit, it is inspiring to see the Pope's sincere concern for the Eastern Churches, his desire to preserve their sacred traditions, and his encouragement to continue bearing Christian witness, often amid contexts of discrimination and violence. Let us support our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity, at the very least, with our prayers.

From 22 May to 25, we hosted the seminar "Living the Mystery" at Magdala, led by Fr. Rafael Ducci, L.C., General Counselor of the Legionaries of Christ and Director of the "Life and Mission" department. This seminar was a beautiful part of two broader realities: the 20th Anniversary of our presence in the Holy Land and the ongoing renewal process in the Regnum Christi Federation, lovingly accompanied by the Church. These days allowed us to go deeper into our identity and mission, sharing perspectives and paths across the various vocations of the Federation: Legionary priests, Consecrated Women, and Lay Members of Regnum Christi. It was a time filled with joy and heartfelt participation. Our deep thanks to all who helped organize it so lovingly, and to all who contributed in any way.

Let me close by once again inviting you to the Pentecost Novena, which will lead up to the inauguration of the Pentecost Room, to take place on June 7 and 8 at the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center. Subscribe here to receive the daily prayer from May 30 to June 7.

And don't forget the Encounter Magdala, to be held in Madrid from 22 July to 26—you are warmly invited.

Finally, to all those finishing university, school, or other academic stages: we wish you a most joyful and well-deserved summer break.

In fraternal union,

Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C.and the Magdala Team

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