Mexican priest Juan Solana, L.C., thanked the support of volunteers, archaeologists and benefactors so that Magdala Center has welcomed more than 50 million pilgrims.

At an event held at the Francisco de Vitoria University, in Madrid, Spain, Father Juan Solana, Mexican Legionary of Christ priest, thanked the support of volunteers and donors for the Magdala Center project. He recalled that in 2005 the Vatican entrusted him with the Notre Dame Pontifical Institute of Jerusalem, where he saw the need to build a center for pilgrims on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

In 2009, at the beginning of the Magdala Center construction, one of the most important religious archaeological discoveries in the last 50 years emerged: Mexican archaeologist Marcela Zapata-Meza and the UNAM Institute of Anthropological Research found a first-century Jewish town, identified as the ancient city of Magdala, where Jesus very likely preached and lived with the inhabitants.

It is significant that archaeologists and consecrated women are responsible for research, care, formation, lodging and communication at Magdala. The Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi who permanently support the project in Israel are: At Notre Dame, Anne Marie Terrenoir, Silvia Holgado, Alice Bresoline and Bianca de Mattos, at Magdala, Celine Kelly, Alessandra Soldati, Kathleen Nichols, Angie Andrade and Miriam Orejas.

Regarding this, Angie Andrade, a consecrated woman originally from Mexico shared: “Our work is to welcome pilgrims, teach them where Jesus lived and preached. To facilitate their having a personal encounter with Jesus and his mercy”, she added that for this summer they have organized an international youth gathering. On the topic, Celine Kelly commented: “The Youthfest 2023 encounter is for me a great opportunity to meet Jesus in the Holy Land. Before such a materialistic and polarized world, leave your house, leave your plans and your distractions for 10 days and come listen to Him. You will see that He will surprise you!”

“The youth gathering will be in the Holy Land from July 21 to 31, here I await you to help and support you like the women of the Gospel among Jesus’ followers, who served with their own goods. On the page www.magdala.org you can find all the information for Youthfest 2023″ added Celine Kelly.

Currently in the area an archaeological park has been developed, a guest house, a prayer center and the Magdala Institute, in honor of Mary Magdalene and all the women of the world, offering a testimony of hope, courage and transformation. Today more than 50 million people from around the world have visited it on a physical or virtual pilgrimage.

With information from the Magdala Center Communications Office.