My Dear Magdala Family,

Time goes by so fast. During these weeks, we have received many pilgrims in the Holy Land, some of them encouraged by our virtual pilgrimages: Welcome to the Holy Land! It is beautiful to meet the faces behind the ‘likes’ we got on our social networks during the pandemic.

In May, a month dedicated to honoring the Holy Virgin Mary, and in June, dedicated to contemplating and adoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we have been working on getting everything ready for the Youthfest Encounter Magdala 2023. I would like to explain to you what it will be about. But first, let me explain where the idea came from.

When I was a young seminarist, Pope John Paul II challenged the Church to prepare for the celebration of The Great Jubilee in 2000. My years as an ecclesiastic student and the first years of my priesthood were moved by the coming of this so-desired Jubilee. The time came; it happened and passed. We have two more Jubilees to prepare for: 2025 and 2033. Every 25 years, the Church celebrates a Holy Year or Jubilee; during this period, the Holy Door of the Saint Peter’s Basilica and other Roman Basilicas are open, as are the cathedrals and sanctuaries worldwide. 2025 is almost here… we have already started getting bookings from pilgrims coming to the Holy Land in this Jubilar year.

PREPARATION PROGRAM FOR THE JUBILEE OF THE 2000 YEARS OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS ​​CHRIST: 2033.

Magdala is also preparing for the 2033 Holy Year or 2033 Jubilee. Mary Magdalene was chosen to announce the news that would change the world’s history and be a foundation for the Christian Faith: Live Christ the King! Christ lives! Christ is with His Church!

An event of such magnitude cannot take us by surprise. We have already started preparing for it; we want to invite all the young and young of heart to come and join us on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land once a year from 2023 until 2033. Come to the Holy Land and walk together towards the Encounter of Jesus with Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and the disciples! Let us live again the epic event that transformed the world and fired up our hearts on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

On the occasion of the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene (22 July), Encounter will be from 21-31 July, A 10-day pilgrimage in the Holy Land on a ‘V.I.P. Backpackers Mode.’ We have planned to walk the Jesus’ Trail, live moments of joy and sharing, attend to the performance of two concerts with recognized and new religious artists, attend daily Eucharistic Celebrations, and visit different Holy Places. The first groups to make a reservation are staying at the Magdala Hotel in shared bedrooms – we still have availability- and the rest will stay close to Magdala.

If you are young or have a young heart, don’t think about it: come to the Holy Land this summer!

We have arranged it before the Youth World Youth Day with Pope Francis in Lisbon, so, if possible, you can continue your spiritual and religious journey with the Pope in Portugal.

The prices are excellent, from 1300 USD in shared rooms, all included except airfare. There are more options with additional costs. Go to: www.youthfest.magdala.org and book to participate in this fantastic event.

The theme of the event is ‘Whom are you looking for?’ Jn, 20:15. Jesus asks Mary Magdalene: who are you looking for? Yes, who are you looking for? Where are you going? What’s the meaning of your life? Who is important to you?…

This meeting is not virtual; it is in person! Come to the Holy Land to live a wonderful experience of the Gospel, youth, music, fun, and much more. We are waiting for you!

Dear family, may you receive this invitation in waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost. Please share it. We have booking availability. Please pray for this particular intention. We will share the event throughout our social network. Thank you!