I was finishing my professional studies when I began considering the idea of spending some time in the Holy Land to visit the places where Christ had walked. I saw this as an opportunity to have “quality time” with the Lord, so I set out to find an option that would allow me to fulfill this desire. The first thing that came to mind was a volunteer program. I had never heard of one in the Holy Land, but I imagined there must be at least one.

I found several options — some involved activities unrelated to religion, and others were related to serving pilgrims. I opted for the latter, and only two places replied to me. I later learned that the reluctance of people to travel to the Holy Land because of the Israel–Gaza war meant that very few volunteers were needed in the various pilgrim houses.

Magdala answered me, and I began the process of becoming a volunteer. What attracted me to Magdala when I first saw the opportunity was the emphasis on building community among volunteers — the idea of becoming a family so we could help pilgrims encounter God. After all, that is what one goes to the Holy Land for: to know Jesus Christ more deeply.

When I arrived in Magdala, the welcome was simple but warm. I was introduced to my fellow volunteers, and the priests of the Magdala community came to meet me as well, including the priest in charge of the volunteer program. He told me, “The most important thing is that while you’re here, you encounter God. Everything else is secondary.” And I believe that’s exactly what has happened. I have encountered God in every problem I’ve had to solve in the sacristy (my volunteer role), in the moments shared with my companions — listening to them, getting to know them — and even when differences arose among us. God revealed Himself by helping us smooth over difficulties and continue working together.

Finally, I’d like to say that the volunteer experience not only helps you spiritually but also humanly, because it brings you into contact with cultures different from the Western one — Arab and Jewish cultures — and teaches you to see the world from new perspectives. It helps you understand that, to move forward in life, you must keep learning.

I can say that anyone who volunteers at Magdala will not leave the same. The experience of community and service transforms you and strengthens you for the challenges you will face throughout life.

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