Dear friends of Magdala,

Happy New Year!

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I am writing this first newsletter of 2016. Last year flew by! It was truly in the blink of an eye that I remember being in my office in the summer and hearing of the launch of the new Magdala website when suddenly the year came to an end, the team and myself were preparing our Christmas card and New Year greeting, and I was preparing to begin my annual spiritual retreat at the very end of December.

I began my retreat just after Christmas and concluded with it on the 2^nd of January. My focus this year was thanksgiving and reflection to prepare for my 25^th anniversary of priesthood, which took place on January 3^rd. I thanked the Lord for the amazing journey, friends, and experiences that he has blessed me with these past years. I also prayed on my priestly vocation and asked that our good Lord grant me the grace to live and serve him through another 25 years or as he sees fit.

I can only say that I am truly thankful for the past year and really excited, recharged and looking forward to what this year 2016 has in store for Magdala, our team and my pastoral service.

Friends as we begin 2016 I ask for your continuing prayers for our project, help us spread the word about Magdala and our work there. It is little by little that we have grown and we cannot be thankful enough for your ongoing support. I wish you the very best to all of you in 2016.

Yours truly,

Fr. Juan Solana, LC

Director