On May 28, the 10th anniversary of Duc in Altum and the Magdala Archaeological Park was celebrated. A decade ago this site opened its doors to become a place of meeting and prayer.
During the anniversary mass, Father Juan Solana, LC, director and founder of the Magdala Project, recalled with emotion the inauguration and dedication of this sanctuary, and the role of Duc in Altum in the lives of the pilgrims who visit it. “This place has witnessed healed hearts, received vocations to priestly and religious life, and restored dignity to many souls,” said Father Solana.
Magdala has not only been a place of pilgrimage but also a center of welcome and service. Throughout these 10 years, Duc in Altum has welcomed more than 1.3 million pilgrims, being the setting where more than 12,000 masses have been celebrated, including weddings, baptisms, and confirmations.
Father Juan Solana expressed his deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to this project over the years, highlighting the collaboration of volunteers, benefactors, friends, artists, and architects. “Nothing would have been achieved without the generous and professional participation of many people,” he added. Among these achievements, Magdala stands out as one of the 10 best tourist attractions in the Middle East.
One of the pillars of Magdala is its volunteer program, which seeks to form a community around the service of pilgrims and guests of Magdala, serving the different areas. This sanctuary has been home to more than 4,500 volunteers from more than 35 countries who have had an experience of meeting and praying in this facility.
Father Juan Solana, LC., took advantage of this occasion to extend the invitation to the next Youthfest Encounter Magdala 2024, which will take place from July 25 to 28 in Puebla, Mexico. This event promises to be an opportunity for prayer, coexistence, and celebration in community in preparation for the year 2033 where the two thousand years of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ will be celebrated.
To conclude, Father Solana invited those present to renew their commitment to service and to continue being channels of divine grace. “May this place continue to be and always be a place from which flow those rivers of living water, that action of grace,” he stated, hoping that Duc in Altum continues to inspire people to live their faith fully and committed.
For more information about Magdala and future events, visit our website, www.magdala.org
About Magdala
Magdala is an archaeological and spiritual site located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, in Israel. It is known as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament. This place not only has great historical and religious importance, but has also become a center of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection.
Duc In Altum: This is the spiritual center of Magdala, whose name means “Sail Into the Sea” in Latin, inspired by the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Duc In Altum includes a chapel with an impressive ship-shaped structure, which symbolizes the evangelizing mission of the Church. It also houses several chapels dedicated to different episodes in the lives of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
