Dear Friends of Magdala,

I hope that you had some time these past few months to recharge with family and friends and are now ready for the opportunities that await. As the summer draws to a close, I want to use this opportunity to share some thoughts and updates with you.

All of us at Magdala, as the extended family that we are, have had an amazing summer. Though, rather than having “vacations” of the traditional sort, ours were “service vacations.” The best kind. Last month we offered an “Inner Healing” Retreat in Magdala for the first time. As well, many of our former volunteers got together in Magdala for a reunion. They were days of joy and celebration with plenty of behind the scenes work. I am so grateful to so many who spent their vacations serving the Lord and others.

The beginning of August was even busier. We are in the final stages of preparation for the opening of the Guesthouse. That implies hiring the staff, endless meetings with consultants and local leaders and an endless list of “to dos.” I should so “to loves” because love of the Lord and his flock is the motivation that keeps us going.

As well, we have two activities on the horizon regarding the inauguration of Magdala. The International Encounter of the Regnum Christi Women, runs from the 29th of October until the 7th of November and the public inauguration of Magdala, the 24th of November. I am counting on your prayers so that everything goes as planned and that the Lord gives us the strength and calm to confront the unforeseen problems that will come up.

At the same time, we’ve been preparing a surprise for all of our visitors in Magdala: a mosaic which portrays the Galilee region during the first century. It was finished this month and will soon be installed in Magdala. We can’t wait for all of you to see this masterpiece… Look out for more information to come!

The opening of the Guesthouse is an unimaginable blessing and its completion is just the beginning of the effort and dedication that he is asking of us. One exciting stage has ended and now we have to be prepared for the challenges of the new one. In a sense, you could say the dream of Magdala that entered my heart 14 years ago is now a visible reality. Soon, we will be able to welcome, host and serve our visitors and pilgrims in a meaningful way, giving them the chance to truly experience this Holy land, made Holy by He who is Holy. And as I said, this is just the beginning since we all know that God’s dreams are always much bigger than ours.

We all are filled with expectation and excitement as we await the day in which the first Magdala guests will enter through the main door of the Guesthouse. I am so thankful for your prayers, your very generous and constant support, and your patience when not everything went according to our timetable.

I assure you of my daily prayers and ask that you also pray for each other and all the friends and benefactors of Magdala. Prayer is what sustains us all.

Greetings and blessings.

Fraternally yours,

Fr. Juan María Solana L.C.