Thy Kingdom Come!
Dear Friends of Magdala:
This past June 10th 2016, God surprised us once more adding, to the great rosary of providential events surrounding Magdala, a very important yet unexpected event to celebrate.
At the suggestion of Pope Francis, the Vatican published a decree, through the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, which elevated the liturgical memory of Mary Magdalene to the level of Feast for the universal church and in this manner highlighted the Pontiff´s wishes to grant Saint Mary Magdalene the same level of importance as the apostles.
This announcement takes up a small space in the vast world of information, yet for us it is a huge announcement and a great joy.
In doing this the Pope aims to underline the role of this great woman – follower and disciple of Jesus, companion at the foot of the cross, and first witness to the resurrection – and to integrate her more fully in the life of the church.
Monsignor Arthur Roche, secretary of said congregation, has listed three considerations behind this Papal decision.
- The first is to highlight the role and dignity of women in the world and the church.
- The second is to assist in evangelization, of which in a way Mary Magdalene was the initiator, as she was the first to take the message of the resurrection to the apostles, and was called by St. Thomas Aquinas “apostle to the apostles.”
- Lastly, the Pope wanted to do this in the context of the Year of Mercy because Mary Magdalene expresses a special relationship with the merciful love of God in Jesus Christ.
With this new feast, the church has a special intercessor in three important fields that need much required attention in our current world.
- The first is the defense of women and her dignity and to concede to her the post she deserves in the construction of our society, as well as of ecclesiastical life.
- The second is to continue and deepen the process of the new Evangelization
- The third is to experience, if additionally possible, the merciful love of God, who seeks to accompany each soul — each life — each person in their pilgrimage in this world, and bring them closer to Him in eternity.
The news surprised us in Magdala on June 10th, the same day we remember the 10th anniversary of the first mass celebrated there in the presence of the first and main benefactors on June 10th, 2006, the eve of the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. In that occasion we were honored with the exceptional presence of Mr. Antonino Fernandez whose faith and generosity brought Magdala to life.
The Holy Father has given us a motivating boost and he is inviting us to continue forward.
As you know Magdala finished its first phase two years ago, which consisted in the inauguration of the archaeological park and the dedication of Duc In Altum.
It is now in its second phase, which is centered primarily around the construction of the campus which includes a pilgrim guesthouse that will serve to host and welcome incoming pilgrims to the Holy land. It will also serve as the main building from which Magdala will carry out its programs with the message we want to promote, as highlighted by Pope Francis´ recent announcement: the role of women, the sharing of the Kingdom of God, and of His mercy.
For those of us who have been involved in the project since the beginning, this event is an added dot to an already connected series that reveals a precious image; an image guided and blessed by God through his Providence. This encourages us to continue ahead and serve in this ministry in the Holy Land, which is so beautiful to witness, and so needed in our time.
Honoring Saint Mary Magdalene and presenting her in this new and more important light within the Church brings for us a renewed sense of responsibility to care for, preserve, and share with the world the first century town of Magdala, hometown of this exceptional woman and most probably the place where Jesus and Mary met for the first time.
It is because of this that continuing the archaeological excavations and development for the rest of the site is our compelling duty and opens up a great field of opportunities to foster her honor and our Christian faith.
This occasion could not be better to remember and thank with deep gratitude all our friends and benefactors, the volunteers, professionals and all those who in their own way helped make this project possible. We also remember those of our friends who have gone ahead before us to heaven.
I send you a very special blessing with my deepest gratitude and appreciation,
Fr. Juan María Solana, LC
Director |
