A November Update from Chile
Dear Friends,
This past week I had the blessing to travel to Chile. These past few days have been a profound joy as I’ve reconnected with so many of you who have been instrumental in building Magdala into the sacred haven it is today. Here in Chile, I’ve been traveling to personally thank our benefactors for their generosity and unwavering support, while also preparing our first meeting with members of the Magdala Family in Chile. I look forward to gathering with you on November 21, and for this to be the first of many meetings to come across the countries where our community is present. For those of you in Chile I also warmly invite you to join my spiritual retreat, Tocando el Manto de Jesús, on November 26.
Please feel free to join us to both events and invite your family and friends.
As I reflect on the countless hands and hearts that have shaped Magdala, my thoughts turn to the gifted Chilean artists who have contributed so much beauty to this sacred place: María Jesús Ortiz de Fernández, whose designs adorn the Women’s Atrium, the Boat Chapel, and the mosaic chapels; Daniel Cariola, who brought the Encounter Chapel to life with his artistry; and Gerardo Zenteno, whose sacred icons inspire prayer and devotion.
Their sacred works have inspired millions of people, lifting souls toward God and reminding us that beauty itself is a path to encounter the divine.
A Journey of Gratitude
This November, we pause to reflect on two significant milestones in Magdala’s journey.
On November 17, we commemorate the moment of inspiration I received 20 years ago at the Primacy of Peter, envisioning Jesus preaching from a boat. That seed grew into Magdala, a place of encounter, renewal, and reconciliation.
This week also marks the 5th anniversary of the Magdala Hotel, inaugurated on November 24, 2019, the Solemnity of Christ the King. This meaningful date reminds us that Magdala is a place where hearts are awakened, lives are touched, and apostles are inspired to bring Christ’s love to the world. For this, we give thanks to God and to you, our benefactors, for journeying with us.
Preparing Hearts for Advent and Beyond
As we approach Advent, the season of hope and renewal, we turn our hearts toward Christ, the light of the world. I am excited to share with you some upcoming programs from the Holy Land that will help us journey together toward His coming:
- Pilgrimage of St. Luke: On Nov. 25th , after completing our introductory talks, we launch the first episode of our virtual pilgrimage, following Year C of the liturgy. Through the exploring the Gospel of St. Luke from the Holy Land, we’ll deepen our understanding of Sunday Mass, enriching our faith and celebration of Christmas. Please share this initiative with others—it is a beautiful way to prepare for the Lord’s birth.
- Advent Program – Star of Wonder: Starting November 30, join Kathleen Nichols for this inspiring series that reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Let this program guide you in walking with His light during the season of hope.
- Encounter Magdala 2025: Looking ahead to the Jubilee Year, I invite you to join us in Madrid, July 22-26, 2025, for our third Youthfest, Encounter Magdala. This gathering will prepare youth and those young at heart to live the Holy Year as Pilgrims of Hope, deepening our relationship with Christ.
Through these initiatives, may we encounter the Lord more profoundly, allowing His light to transform and guide us through Advent and beyond.
Drop by Drop: Building Magdala Together
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have and are supporting Magdala through our Drop by Drop campaign. Just as drip irrigation nourishes the arid soil of the Holy Land, your continued generosity sustains Magdala, allowing it to flourish as a place of encounter and spiritual renewal.
Your prayers and monthly gifts are the lifeblood of this Holy Site. They care for Magdala’s grounds, support its team, and ensure the fulfillment of its vision for generations to come.
In the coming weeks, after a few years of work we will unveil our Digital Magdala Mosaic! For many of you who have sponsored a mosaic tile in the past few years this initiative will allow you to locate your sponsored tiles and inspire others to sponsor new ones. Each tile is a testament to how small acts of kindness, like drops of water, come together to create something greater—a magnificent ocean of hope, a tangible sign of God’s providence and love.
As we journey through this month of thanksgiving and prepare our hearts for Advent, may Christ reign in your hearts, filling you and your loved ones with His light, love, and hope.
Fraternally yours,
Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C. director de Magdala.
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