Cherry picking followed some team-building games last Monday when our employees, volunteers, consecrated members, and priests spent a fun day together. The most fascinating statement for me came from a visiting human resources professional with three decades of local experience in issues affecting employees and personnel in the region’s hospitality industry. She exclaimed her amazement at the positive intercultural environment and ability to play together joyfully. Upon arrival people were randomly given one of the four colored T-shirts which determined the teams. Our guest was aware of this. She thought the whole day and atmosphere were the best she had seen in her entire professional experience. Even discounting any potential exaggeration on her part, we are indeed grateful for the healthy and happy atmosphere which we enjoy here in Magdala. Trying to live as one family is a blessing to which everyone contributes in some degree, despite the daily challenges which this involves.  

Much has been heard and read online all over the world about the life and work of Pope Francis and on his passing. This global interest in the papacy has continued with his successor, Pope Leo, with whom we are still becoming familiar. All of us who are part of Magdala and its culture of encounter resonate with one of Pope Leo’s dominant outstanding features which has characterized him for a long time. His priority emphasis on communion and unity already inspired the title for a book written since his election  and ready for pre-order!

When we analyze Pope Leo’s inaugural homily given on May 18^th in St. Peter’s Square before pilgrims, religious, and political leaders from most of the countries of the world, the opening paragraphs offer the expected greetings. Unsurprisingly, an analysis of the biblical and theological background to the shepherding role as a successor of Peter follows. We then expect a variety of programmatic points sketching the salient strategic issues for his personal execution of his duties in his new service to the Church. We find however just one point, nuanced in seven paragraphs and summarized in the last one, a mere one liner: “Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk towards God and love one another.” Seven paragraphs process this clear goal of his. Check each paragraph at the link above for another goal. There is none!  

Pope Leo’s motto carries the same emphasis: “In that One we are one”. He celebrates joyfully the oneness we share in Christ as explained in St Augustine’s commentary to Psalm 128. He chose this motto when he was made bishop ten years ago.

Pope Leo has already written or spoken to diverse groups of Christians, Jews, Muslims and others. It’s clear that he is reaching out to build bridges between various categories of people.

David, a befriended Evangelical in a church with deep roots in Methodism texted me, saying: “After all this time together, I found myself one step closer to Catholics and wanting to learn and appreciate. My prior perceptions dissolved, a wonderful experience!  I really appreciate it. It gives me a lot of hope for the global Church.” The numerous and encouraging interactions from around the world and from the most varied religious backgrounds with us Catholics has made a fascinating and lasting impression on me and many others during this transitional period in the Catholic Church.  

Since January 2024, readers of our Journal “Crossroads” series have become more familiar with the rich and varied community of people who enjoy work here together in Magdala. We are so encouraged.  

Attention to being one family is not a mere cherry on the cake! It has been the substantial direction of Catholic leadership in and outside the Church especially since the Second Vatican Council, some sixty years ago. Every pope since then has emphasized this same approach along with each one’s specific nuances. All believers and human beings around the world long for greater expressions of the oneness of our human family. People’s lives depend on mutual recognition, appreciation and life-giving cooperation. We are all one family.  

‍

Get to know...

Maroun Edward Issa

General Manager

Maroun Edward Issa's name has prominent connections for those acquainted with the Christian heritage of the region. The Maronite Christians, from whom the name 'Maroun' is derived, have deep historical roots dating back to the early centuries of Christianity in Lebanon. 

Although Maroun resides just a few miles from the Lebanese border that has been closed for over seventy years, the region's history explains his close family ties to Beirut. A local community leader had a sole child, a daughter named Miriam, who married a Lebanese man. They were blessed with ten children, one of whom was Georgette. 

As a young girl, Georgette was sent to live with her grandparents in present-day Israel to assist them in their later years. She eventually married and had six children, Maroun being the youngest.

Maroun pursued studies in archaeology and Israeli studies at the University of Haifa while working as a hotel bartender to support himself. After graduating, he began his career in the hospitality industry at a hotel in Eilat. Later, while working at the Scots Hotel in Tiberias, he earned a diploma in revenue management from Cornell University. A night auditor at the Scots informed him about the development of Magdala, which Maroun keenly monitored on his daily drive home. 

He advanced to manage the Legacy Hotels Chain across Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Haifa, eventually making his way to Magdala. Maroun states, "Magdala was built for me." We believe that Providence had uniquely prepared him to be our General Manager. Magdala and Maroun truly seem to be quite the match. Maroun is married to Iklass, and together they have two teenage daughters and a ten-year-old son.

‍

‍