Magdalena Institute is a developing project dedicated to the promotion of the dignity of the human person, with a special emphasis on the dignity of women.  It will offer seminars, retreats, and presentations based on the historical and religious value of the site.  Magdalena Institute’s mission also includes being a support for people seeking spiritual and psychological healing and renewal.   This year Magdalena Institute is organizing its 2^nd annual Women’s symposium, titled Women of Influence: Hope for Humanity.

In Pope John Paul II’s letter on the Dignity of Women, #1 he stated, “The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect and a power never hitherto achieved.” I had to ask myself, what is the secret of woman´s influence and power?  I believe it is rooted in her feminine genius, but requires a deeper knowledge of the truth of her self.  Dennis Linn comments that “…we become our true selves when we see our goodness reflected back to us in the eyes of another person who loves us” (Belonging, 90).    In this experience of being loved, woman more fully discovers the truth of her dignity; and she also discovers her capacity to give herself to building up humanity.

This year’s symposium will give a glimpse into the lives of women, past and contemporary, who have displayed resilience, courage, and determination to build a better humanity.  Women are invited to come and hear the stories of a few influential women from all reaches of the Holy Land.  They are positively influencing the lives of others, offering hope for humanity, and inspiring courage for others to become the face of love the world needs.

The symposium will open with Dr. Tina Wray, a biblical scholar from Salve Regina University.  She will speak about Mary Magdalene, giving insight into her significance for contemporary women.  Following Dr. Tina’s exposition, several women will share their personal stories.  Among them are founders and directors of institutions, as well as those who have been helped and now participate in leading organizations that strive to better the social milieu in which they live.  The stories will vary, from a young 16 year old Muslim girl forming herself as a leader in her hometown (the poorest Muslim town in Israel), a Bedouin woman leading other women in overcoming poverty in her community in the Negev Desert, an Arab Christian woman working with disabled children in the Old City of Jerusalem, to two Jewish women working to heal wounds from terrorism and bridge understanding between Jews and Christians.

Stay tuned for live feeds through periscope and more news after the symposium.

*NOW BROADCASTING LIVE ON PERISCOPE*