2024
Encounter
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Join us at Encounter Magdala 2024, a gathering of young people and those young at heart who, through this pilgrimage of prayer, song, and fellowship, seek to live an experience of Christ's love.
CHECK THE PROGRAM

A 10-year journey to 2033

Encounter Magdala is a journey of faith and love for God as preparation for the celebration of 2033, the anniversary of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This journey unfolds around four elements: Singing, Walking, Sharing, and Celebrating.
Because singing is praying twice, live a night of concert and adoration with over 3,000 pilgrims in the city of Puebla. We have invited renowned artists who, through their talent, will make you sing, dance, and pray.
SING
We have prepared an itinerary where you will visit historical and religious sites in the city of Puebla and its surroundings. We will also hike a traditional pilgrimage route  that will help us live a moment of prayer, just as Jesus did.
WALK
During this Encounter, you will have the opportunity to meet pilgrims from diverse cultures and countries, becoming part of a unique community inspired by the experience of the Holy Land that leads to an encounter with God.
SHARE
Immerse yourself in the mystery of Christ's Word through the daily Masses we will have across Puebla's historical churches. You will have the support of priests and consecrated individuals who will accompany you to experience the encounter with Jesus Christ in prayer and praise.
CELEBRATE

Message from Fr. Juan Solana L.C.

"Puebla was an essential center for announcing the Gospel in the New World. Numerous religious orders and congregations were established there, as evidenced by the churches in the historical center, the Convents, the former College of the Jesuits, and the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Puebla was key in the first evangelization of North America and even in the evangelization of the Philippines."
Fr. Juan María Solana L.C.
Director of Magdala

Itinerary

Encounter Magdala 2024 will take place from July 25th to 28th. You will visit historical and religious sites in Puebla, Mexico, and its surroundings during this event.
Day 1: Registration & Welcome
You can visit our Encounter Fair and the Apostolates present there when you arrive at the venue. Simultaneously, we will have the registration area where you can pick up your badge and pilgrim kit. Later, we will have a welcome message from Father Juan Solana L.C. and we will conclude the day with the Eucharistic Celebration.
Day 2: Cholula & Downtown Puebla
In the morning, we will explore the city of Cholula, famous for its 365 churches followed by visits to Santa Maria Tonantzintla, and San Francisco Acatepec. We will then walk the Stations of the Cross that travel the same distance as the Via Dolorosa in the Holy Land. In the afternoon, we will have a conference, and in the evening, we will sing and praise our Lord in Adoration.
In the morning, we will hike a traditional pilgrimage route from Tecali to Cuautinchan. It will be a walk to help us pray and interact with other pilgrims. In the afternoon, we will have the conference "Getting to Know the Magdala Family." At night, we will celebrate with our unique concert, Encounter. It will be an experience that will immerse you in the Holy Land.
Day 3: Pilgrimage to Cuautinchan
Day 4: Final Event
On the last day, we will have our final event, where we will have a concluding talk, testimonies, and finish the day with the Eucharistic Celebration.
Choose the best experience for you
Full Experience
This is your best option if you want to participate in the entire Encounter and take advantage of all activities.
7.199 MXN
6.839 MXN
(Save 5% until June 15th)
Participation to all the activities at CCU including:
masses, talks, adoration, and concert (with preferred seating area)
Participation to all the visits including:
Via Crucis in Puebla , Cholula, and Cuautinchan/Tecali towns
Lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday
Full Pilgrim Kit including:
  • Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
  • Disposable plastic poncho
  • Handcrafted prayer cross
  • Handcrafted rosary
  • Magdala tote bag
  • Magdala water bottle
  • Magdala Mosaic bracelet
  • Pilgrimage booklet
  • Certificate of participation in Encounter Magdala 2024
* Optional transportation back and forth between the hotel and venue, is available for an additional cost
* Accommodation is not included
Basic Experience
If you are unable to participate in the pilgrimage and tours but wish to join the talks, Eucharistic Adoration, and concert, this experience is for you.
3.850 MXN
3.658 MXN
(Save 5% until June 15th)
Participation to some activities at CCU including:
talks, adoration and concert
Dinner on Friday and Saturday
Basic Pilgrim Kit including:
  • Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
  • Handcrafted prayer cross
  • Handcrafted rosary
  • Magdala Mosaic bracelet
  • Pilgrimage booklet
* Accommodation is not included
Deadline for registration: July 15th or until capacity is reached.
Hotels with special rates for Encounter Magdala 2024
We have special rates with hotels in the Angelopolis area. Each pilgrim will need to make their reservations.
Discount code:
ENCOUNT24
Grand Fiesta Americana
Distance from CCU: 3.5 km
Phone: +52 (443) 310 8137
Book this Hotel
Presidente Intercontinental
Distance from CCU: 8.6 km
Phone: +52 (222) 213 7000
Book this Hotel
Hotel Inn La Noria
Distance from CCU: 6.0 km
Phone: +52 (222) 211 9000
Book this Hotel
Camino Real
Distance from CCU: 1.2 km
Phone: +52 (800) 901 2300
Book this Hotel
Hotel Wyndam
Distance from CCU: 1.7 km
Phone: +52 (222) 689 0704
Book this Hotel
Hotel JF
Distance from CCU: 7.5 km
Phone: +52 (222) 303 0070
Book this Hotel
Hotel LQ
Distance from CCU: 2.0 km
Phone: +52 (800) 753 3757
Book this Hotel
Hotel Courtyard
Distance from CCU: 6.6 km
Phone: +52 (800) 831 4465
Book this Hotel
Holiday & Suites
Distance from CCU: 1.4 km
Phone: +52 (800) 000 0404
Book this Hotel
City Express Angelópolis
Distance from CCU: 6.0 km
Phone: +52 (222) 211 7000
Book this Hotel
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Encounter Magdala, Youthfest?
Encounter Magdala 2024, is a gathering of young people and those young at heart who, through this pilgrimage of prayer, song, and fellowship, seek to live an experience of Christ's love.
2. When is it taking place?
This year, Encounter Magdala 2024 will be held from July 25th to 28th in  Puebla, Mexico.
3. What happens during Encounter?
SING    
Because singing is praying twice, let's live a night of concert and adoration with over 3,000 pilgrims. We have invited renowned artists who, will make you sing, dance, and pray, through their talent.    

WALK    
In 2024, we have an itinerary from July 25th to 28th, where you will visit historical and religious sites in Puebla city and its surroundings. We will also have a hiking day to experience a moment of prayer, as Jesus did.
   
SHARE    
Invite your friends and family to join this great experience. During these four days, you will have the opportunity to meet pilgrims from various cultures and countries, becoming part of a unique community. We will also have workshops to learn about the Magdala Family and the Holy Land.    

CELEBRATE    
Immerse yourself in the mystery of Christ's word through the daily masses. Experience the encounter with Jesus Christ through prayer and praise. We will have the support of priests and consecrated women during these four days.
4. How can I participate in Encounter Magdala 2024?
To participate in Encounter Magdala 2024, you will need to register through the website.
Once registrations are open, you'll need to choose the experience that suits you best: Full Experience or Basic Experience.
Click the button below your preferred selection and follow along with the registration process.
To complete the registration, you will need to make a payment using a credit card.
Once your registration is successfully completed, you will receive a confirmation email with the following steps.
5. Who can attend Encounter?
Those seeking to live an experience of Christ's love.
6. What does my participation include?
We have two options:  

FULL EXPERIENCE:

Participation to all the activities at CCU including:
masses, talks, adoration, and concert (with preferred seating area)

Participation to all the visits including:
Via Crucis in Puebla , Cholula, and Cuautinchan/Tecali towns

Lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday

Full Pilgrim Kit including:
- Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
- Disposable plastic poncho
- Handcrafted prayer cross
- Handcrafted rosary
- Magdala tote bag
- Magdala water bottle
- Magdala Mosaic bracelet
- Pilgrimage booklet
- Certificate of participation in Encounter Magdala 2024

BASIC EXPERIENCE:

Participation to some activities at CCU including:
talks, adoration and concert

Dinner on Friday and Saturday

Basic Pilgrim Kit including:
- Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
- Handcrafted prayer cross
- Handcrafted rosary
- Magdala Mosaic bracelet
- Pilgrimage booklet
7. Does it include accommodation?
The price does NOT include accommodation.  
However, we have negotiated preferential rates with several hotels in the Angelópolis area of Puebla. Please use the following code ENCOUNT24.
Accommodation is subject to hotel availability.
8. What is included in the Pilgrim kit?
The Pilgrim Kit includes various items depending on the chosen package.

Full Pilgrim Kit
- Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
- Disposable plastic poncho
- Handcrafted prayer cross
- Handcrafted rosary
- Magdala tote bag
- Magdala water bottle
- Magdala Mosaic bracelet
- Pilgrimage booklet
- Certificate of participation in Encounter Magdala 2024

Basic Pilgrim Kit 
- Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirt
- Handcrafted prayer cross
- Handcrafted rosary
- Magdala Mosaic bracelet
- Pilgrimage booklet
9. Where are the masses held and who officiates?
Each day will begin with Holy Mass at the Centro Cultural Universitario, BUAP.
Inaugural and closing Mass: Fr. Juan María Solana L.C.
Masses on July 26th and 27th: other priests.
10. Is there a dress code for religious activities?
We suggest modest attire suitable for religious occasions, and sporting clothes and shoes for hiking.
11. Are there opportunities for confession during the trip?
Yes, we will have priests accompanying the groups who will be available for confessions.
12. What type of music will be played during the concert?
Popular Catholic Church songs as well as songs from the repertoire of participating artists.
13. Can I reserve a seat for events at the CCU?
Seat cannot be reserved for the event, but the Full Experience includes preferred seating areas in the event hall.
Seats will be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.
14. Is there parking for cars at the CCU?
Yes, the complex has it own parking lot.
15. How is the weather in Puebla?
The Encounter Magdala takes place in July, temperatures usually range between 11°C to 22°C with the possibility of rain.
Keep this in mind when packing!