In commemoration of Mary Magdalene’s Day this Sunday, Jennifer Ristine, Director of the Magdalena Institute, will be releasing her new book: Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala. July 22nd is the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene, and Jennifer’s book is a compilation of all the information that has been collected over the years as we’ve continued to uncover this ancient town of Magdala from the first century. We will host this special event to showcase the new Guesthouse to travel agents and guides, and celebrate this wonderful place and woman, the Apostle to the Apostles: Mary Magdalene.
Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala will be available in our Magdala Shop onsite and online soon.
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About the Book:
“Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala”
“The story of Mary Magdalene reminds everyone of a fundamental truth: she is a disciple of Christ who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him, and had followed him closely, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love, which is stronger than sin and death.” Pope Benedict XVI. July 23, 2006
Mary Magdalene was real. Her life challenges, struggles, and joys were real. Her life was truly transformed by Jesus. Therefore, it must be possible to “unearth” pieces of what was real by digging through the layers of two thousand years of reflection about her. In the process of discovery, may we “unveil the mystery” that Mary Magdalene embodies, and glean treasures for our own life that can inspire purpose and meaning.
About the Author:
Jennifer Ristine – consecrated woman of Regnum Christi
Director of the Magdalena Institute – Magdala
Jennifer Ristine has been living and serving at the recently excavated site of ancient Magdala in the Holy Land since 2014. She has served in Magdala as the Visitor’s Center Coordinator and Director of the Magdalena Institute. The shared research and reflections she offers is the fruit of questions from countless visitors: Christian pilgrims, Jewish visitors, and even people from different faith or no-faith backgrounds. She gives context to the first century ambience of Magdala by presenting some of the archaeological discoveries since the 1970’s up to the present day. As a consecrated woman in the Catholic Church, she also connects scriptural texts to theological and spiritual reflections, enticing the gospel imagination to bring alive the encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Finally, she offers a creative response to the multitude of historical traditions and theories that have developed over the centuries.