When the opportunity to attend Encounter Magdala 2024 arose, we needed to figure out what to expect since we hadn't participated in the previous one. Nevertheless, we decided to come to Mexico, bringing our one-year-old daughter to share the experience as a family.

At first, we hesitated about whether it was the right decision to register with a baby, unsure of the pace of activities, her mood, and how she would handle the journey from Argentina at such a young age. But this wasn't just any invitation or trip—it was a call from God for us to meet Him as a family in a new setting. So, we packed our bags and headed to Puebla.

Upon arrival, the organizers and volunteers were extremely hospitable and made us feel right at home. We believe our daughter Teresita's smiles played a part, but we sincerely appreciate the warm welcome we received.

In the welcome talk, we were told that the entire Encounter Magdala was based on four elements: Celebrate, Walk, Sing, and Share. And that's precisely how it was. These are the reasons why we believe you shouldn't miss the subsequent Encounter Magdala:

‍Celebrate The liturgy with Christ as the center of this faithful gathering. The celebrations of Holy Mass marked the start of each day and the closing at the end of the Encounter Magdala, showing that He was placed first. The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was so unique that it will remain in our memories. To touch the hem of Jesus in contact with the Sacrament—because isn't He genuinely present in the Eucharist? We can say with certainty that we felt His hem, just like the woman with the issue of blood. How beautiful it is to contemplate and understand this.

‍Sing: The greatness of the Lord. The songs during Adoration with the Choir and at the concert with the guest singers were indeed songs of praise, without a doubt. They transformed the entire venue into a great hymn of love to Heaven. They aided in meditation, reflection, supplication, and thanksgiving for God's actions in our hearts as we encountered Him. And we can say that these were our daughter Teresita's first concerts. How wonderful that they were spent praising the Lord.

‍Walk: The pilgrimage for the encounter with God. There were two moments of walking—not just for physical effort but prayer and contemplation. One was the Way of the Cross: we walked and visited various chapels in Puebla where the Stations of the Cross were located. Pushing Tere's stroller through the city's ancient streets was sometimes challenging, but sharing this journey as a family was beautiful, accompanying Jesus in His sorrow. The other pilgrimage was from Tecali to Cuantinchán, where we visited two beautiful colonial-era temples that allowed us to contemplate God through the eyes of the 16th century.

‍Share: As a family. Making this journey together made it incredibly special. But he felt like he was even more part of the Magdala family. Father Juan María Solana LC conveyed his love for the Magdala project, his vision, his dream for its growth, and his desire for everyone to know it, join in, participate, and share this wish to make the Holy Land known, touch it, and live it. That's why we want you not to miss the next Encounter Magdala, which, God willing, will be held there, in the Land of Jesus, in the Land of Mary, in the Land of Mary Magdalene, who, as the patroness of this great family, will indeed intercede so that many more can experience the Holy Land.

Thank you for making us part of this, welcoming us, and sharing your apostolic zeal, which sent us home renewed and full of joy.

Teresa María, Carolina & Agustín.