Magdala, Holy Land. The Magdala Center is pleased to announce the launch of its new virtual pilgrimage, “Traveling the Holy Land with Saint Luke.” This unique program, guided by Father Juan María Solana, L.C., offers the faithful an extraordinary opportunity to delve deeper into the Gospel of Saint Luke and explore the holy places of the Holy Land from the comfort of their homes. The pilgrimage will follow the liturgical cycle C, which begins on December 1, 2024 and culminates on November 23, 2025, in tune with the solemnity of Christ the King.
Saint Luke, one of the four evangelists, is known as the narrator of mercy and hope. He wrote his Gospel inspired by the Holy Spirit, recounting in 24 chapters the life, miracles and teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, the Gospel of St. Luke has served as a source of comfort and hope for the Christian community, especially in times of uncertainty. In the context of the Holy Year 2025, dedicated to the theme “pilgrim of hope”, the figure of St. Luke resonates deeply, as his message invites the faithful to renew their trust in God’s love and mercy.
Relevance in times of conflict
This virtual pilgrimage takes on special relevance in the current context, as the Holy Land faces a period of conflict and upheaval. Despite the difficulties in carrying out physical pilgrimages, the faithful will be able to spiritually join the experience of walking through the places where Jesus lived and taught, thanks to this initiative. The virtual pilgrimage is like a drip irrigation that, drop by drop, nourishes faith and makes hope blossom in the hearts of the participants. In times of difficulty, these small spiritual drops add up to create a larger and more powerful movement, keeping the connection with the Holy Land alive and strengthening faith.
A spiritual experience for a year of hope
The program consists of 52 weekly meditations, 42 based on the Gospel of St. Luke and 10 on the Gospel of St. John, which will guide participants in a deep reflection on the Word of God. Every Monday, Father John will send those enrolled a meditation by email, so that they can prepare their hearts and minds for the Sunday liturgy. The meditations will not only enrich participation in the Holy Mass, but will also allow participants to connect with the history and culture of the Holy Land, thus living the Holy Year 2025 as true “pilgrims of hope.”
St. Luke: A Bridge Between Past and Present
The Gospel of St. Luke not only documents the events of Christ’s life, but also highlights the universality of the message of salvation, reaching every corner of the world and every generation. The virtual pilgrimage allows the faithful to rediscover the current relevance of St. Luke’s teachings, inviting them to reflect on their own journey of faith and their relationship with God in everyday life. In addition, by exploring the historic sites of the Holy Land, participants will experience the cultural and spiritual richness of this region, known to be the cradle of Christianity.
Calendar of launch events
The launch of the pilgrimage will be accompanied by a series of special events to prepare participants and delve deeper into the themes that will be addressed during the year:
- October 28: Interview with Taís Gea, consecrated member of Regnum Christi and designer of the program’s logo.
- November 4: First introductory talk on the importance of pilgrimage in spiritual life.
- November 11: Interview with Rogelio Casasola, composer of the official hymn of the pilgrimage.
- November 18: Second introductory talk focused on the historical context of the Holy Land and its relevance in the Gospel of St. Luke.
- November 25: Preparatory reflection for the beginning of the liturgical year.
How to join the pilgrimage
Starting October 28, weekly meditations will be sent each Monday by email to all those registered, who will be able to enrich their spiritual preparation for the Sunday liturgy. To register and be part of this transformative experience, visit our website and subscribe to the pilgrimage newsletter. The virtual pilgrimage is completely free.
For more information and registration, visit: https://bit.ly/magdala-san-lucas-pr
About Magdala
Magdala is an archaeological site on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel, known for being the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, a central figure in the New Testament. With profound historical and religious significance, Magdala has evolved to become a destination for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. Through spaces such as Duc In Altum, the archaeological site and guesthouse, the center offers visitors a bridge between the past and the present, connecting the 1st century with the present day, in an environment conducive to the renewal of faith and hope.