Dear Friends, Pilgrims, and Magdala Family,

With great affection, we send you these words as we approach Christmas. It is our heartfelt wish that you experience a season filled with blessings and, above all, peace. As St. Francis de Sales reminds us: “With peace, everything is gained; without peace, everything is lost.”

This past November, I had the grace of traveling to Santiago de Chile and Madrid, and I would like to share a few moments from those meaningful days that filled my heart with gratitude.

In Santiago, my primary purpose was to thank our dear friends and benefactors for the tremendous support they provided leading up to the inauguration of Magdala on November 24, 2019. Due to the pandemic and the conflict, we had not been able to meet, but at last, I had the joy of greeting and personally thanking almost all of our friends in Chile. To each of them, I extend my deepest gratitude. Their role was pivotal in bringing Magdala to life—a place that continues to inspire faith and hope.

During this visit, we also hosted the first formal gathering of the Magdala Family in Chile. Over 50 participants from Santiago, Valparaíso, and other South American countries residing in Chile joined us. We celebrated the Eucharist together, and I had the opportunity to share updates about what we are doing in the Holy Land, the challenges we face, and the initiatives we are working towards. A particularly moving moment was visiting Olivia, one of Magdala’s ambassadors in Valparaíso, who, despite being confined to her bed, continues to inspire with her unwavering faith. Her strength and her trust in our prayers remain a profound witness for all of us.

We are standing at the threshold of an extraordinary time of grace: a Jubilee Year, a Holy Year. For centuries, the Church, as the steward of God’s mercy, has celebrated jubilees every 25 years, as well as exceptional jubilees. During these times, God’s grace is poured out abundantly into hearts. I encourage you to live this special year in harmony with the universal Church, embracing the blessings it offers for ourselves, our families, and even our dearly departed. Pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, or places of devotion are especially meaningful during this time. Each diocese will designate sites for gaining the graces of the jubilee, and we pray that the Holy Land will soon once again become a destination for pilgrims seeking renewal. Pope Francis has also given us a clear theme for this year: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

In a world that urgently needs a transfusion of hope, let us take up this call to live our challenges, dreams, and plans with God’s help, guided by the Holy Spirit, and working to establish His kingdom among us.

I have some good news to share: our community in Magdala—priests, consecrated members of Regnum Christi, and volunteers—has returned to the site. While challenges remain, we are hopeful for continued progress and pray that lasting peace will soon blossom.

In Madrid, we gathered with team members to advance preparations for Encounter Magdala 2025, which will take place from July 22 to 26 at the Francisco de Vitoria University in Pozuelo de Alarcón, in Madrid’s metropolitan area. This gathering promises to be a transformative experience for young people, families, and all those with youthful hearts who desire a deeper encounter with God. Anchored in our four “C’s”—Sing, Walk, Celebrate, and Share—this event will also serve as a stepping stone for those planning to join the Jubilee of Youth with Pope Francis in Rome the following week. We would love for you to be part of this journey. If you’d like to receive updates about Encounter Magdala 2025, please share your details here.

In this spirit of gratitude, we invite you to join us in our Giving Season, a special time to reflect on our unique role in building Magdala's vision. Like the individual tiles that form the stunning Magdala Mosaic, every contribution, regardless of size, adds beauty and meaning to the whole.

Together, tile by tile, drop by drop, we are creating a masterpiece of hope — an ocean of grace and a testimony to God's love. Your participation is vital to completing this work of faith. We encourage you to be part of this initiative and continue building this great Magdala family, united in Christ's love and hope.

To contribute and learn more about how you can be a part of our Giving Season, visit our Magdala Mosaic Website.

With gratitude and hope,

Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C.

Magdala Team