On December 5th, we celebrate International Volunteer Day, a special occasion to reflect on the importance of those who dedicate their time and effort to serve others. This celebration has a unique meaning at Magdala because volunteering here is much more than a charitable activity.

The Royal Spanish Academy defines “volunteer” as an act that arises from free will, is not mandatory, is offered willingly to carry out a task, and is oriented toward social or humanitarian activities. However, at Magdala, this definition falls short. If we could propose a new definition, we would say that volunteering at Magdala is freely chosen in response to God's call.

Despite our differences—because here we experience the richness of God's creation: we are people of different ages, nationalities, and states of life—there is something that profoundly unites us: God has all brought us to the Holy Land. He has manifested Himself clearly and uniquely in our lives, igniting a deep desire in our hearts to come here. Being chosen to come is no ordinary invitation; it is a call to service, to give ourselves to others, and to respond with concrete actions in a specific place: the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

Many volunteers arrive at Magdala without fully comprehending their role or how they can contribute. I believe this experience is similar to that of the early Christians, who were called to evangelize without a clear sense of where to go or how to proceed. We come with uncertainty, yet our hearts are filled with the desire to serve God and work together as collaborators.

Volunteering at Magdala touches every dimension of our lives. In this land, everything speaks of God. The stones of the archaeological site tell the story of a first-century Jewish people; the pilgrims, visitors, and locals show us how God reaches out to everyone here and now; and every corner of Magdala allows us to experience the story of salvation—not as something of the past, but as a living reality that continues to manifest itself today. Walking through Duc In Altum, contemplating Mount Arbel, or listening to the waves of the Sea of Galilee, we witness Jesus' miracles in every detail, connecting us with the depth of our faith and God's plan for our lives.

Additionally, volunteering at Magdala means being part of a unique family. Living alongside priests, consecrated women, and other volunteers creates profound bonds full of color and richness. This environment allows us to discover hidden talents, grow in our abilities, learn and unlearn, and be transformed in ways that rarely happen in other contexts. Every experience at Magdala leaves an indelible mark, creating a before-and-after in our lives.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have said “yes” to God's call. Thank you for being a fundamental part of Magdala's history and for the kind and generous face many pilgrims encounter in this Holy Land. Through you, many have seen God.

And to volunteers worldwide: if we don't live to serve, we don't deserve to live. Thank you!

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We invite you to watch the testimonies of some of Magdala’s volunteers and discover how they have experienced their time of service here.  

Watch testimonies here.

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