Today, Magdala announced the release of its Lenten Virtual Pilgrimage of Prayer Through Jerusalem. The on-going conflict in the Holy Land continues to keep pilgrims from visiting Jerusalem this Lent. Uneasy local Christians still don’t travel far from home, forgoing visits to pray at the Holy Sepulcher or the Mount of Olives. The holy sites in Jerusalem remain mostly empty.

Kathleen Nichols, Director the Magdala Media’s English team, explained that the Pilgrimage of Prayer will give people from all over the world, the opportunity to visit Jerusalem virtually this Lent. “Jerusalem resonates in hearts around the world. It is recognized as one of the holiest cities in the world. In Jerusalem, every stone, mountaintop, and olive tree has a story to tell!”

The daily 20-minute program will take virtual pilgrims to well-known holy sites, including Calvary, Jesus’ tomb, Mount Zion, Gethsemane, the Western Wall, and the Way of the Cross. From these and many other hidden monasteries and Churches in the Old City that most visitors have never seen, Kathleen offers a reflection on Christian prayer.

“Prayer in Jerusalem can powerfully turn our hearts back to the Lord, and this is the purpose of Lent. It was witness to the main events of Salvation History, chosen by God as his dwelling place, and the site of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection,” says pilgrim leader Nichols.

“Shofars, bells and muezzin sound out daily reminders of God’s presence, and what most lifts our hearts to the Lord are the voices of Jerusalem’s Christian communities at prayer,” says Nichols. From the city where Jesus taught the Our Father, virtual pilgrims will join local Christians praying it in Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Armenian, Arabic, Hebrew, Russian, and even Ethiopian Ge’ez, the languages of Christian Jerusalem.

The staff at Magdala feel blessed to help bring the Holy Land to people’s homes and hearts this Lent.

The Virtual Pilgrimage of Prayer through Jerusalem, starts on Monday, February 12th with an introductory talk in preparation for Ash Wednesday.

You can find out more information and sign up here at https://www.magdala.org/ and follow along on Magdala’s website, Instagram account, and YouTube account.