During commotion and uncertainty, a testimony of faith emerges that challenges the limits of reason. Rabbuni, the new documentary that follows the prayer workshops taught by Marian Reynoso alongside Fr. Juan María Solana, director and founder of Magdala, immerses us in an unprecedented spiritual journey. What began as a project to document these workshops in the Holy Land was transformed into an experience of prayer during war, an unexpected conversion, and a reminder that faith can flourish in any circumstance.

A documentary in the midst of conflict

In October 2023, a production team traveled to Israel to film the prayer workshops that Marian Reynoso teaches to women in the Holy Land. Everything seemed to be going normally, until, in an instant, everything changed. “Today is October 7, 2023. As we headed to Mount Carmel, none of us knew what was about to happen just a few kilometers from where we were,” Reynoso recalls. At that moment, war broke out.

The workshop participants, along with the production team, faced days of uncertainty and tension. However, instead of giving in to fear, they decided to abandon themselves to faith. “We chose to stay and continue praying, understanding that we had to put ourselves into the hands of God with complete confidence,” we hear in the documentary.

The conversion of a cameraman

One of the most shocking twists in the story was the conversion of Ramiro Martínez, producer and cameraman of the documentary. What began as a technical task was transformed into a personal encounter with faith. “From my camera, I was no longer just a spectator, but a participant,” confesses Martínez. “I had never experienced anything like this. I left accompanied by all that pent-up energy, by all those prayers. This was my own dome of protection that, to this day, I still carry with me.”

Praying in the Holy Places

Throughout the recording, the documentary shows women praying in emblematic places in the history of salvation: the Basilica of the Annunciation, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes and, of course, Magdala. “Prayer helps us develop a broader and deeper perspective on life, to find meaning and purpose in our experiences,” says Marian Reynoso.

“The most important benefit of doing a prayer workshop in the Holy Land is being in the original setting where Jesus taught us. It is the place where God spoke through the prophets and great men and women of prayer. When you come here and see the species of flowers and birds that Jesus himself mentioned, everything takes on a much greater force. This setting invites us to let ourselves be guided by God and to cultivate the gift of humility, which teaches us to pray, obey and trust,” said Fr. Juan María Solana.

The documentary Rabbuní reminds us of the importance of prayer and the need to reconnect with God in the midst of our difficulties. It invites us to ask ourselves the same question that Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” (Jn 21:17). And, like Mary Magdalene, to respond with the heart: Rabbuní, Master.

What is Magdala?

Magdala is an archaeological site and a center of Christian spirituality in the Galilee region of Israel. Discovered and developed under the direction of Fr. Juan María Solana, Legionary of Christ, Magdala is known for housing a 1st century synagogue, considered one of the oldest and best preserved from the time of Jesus.

In addition to its archaeological significance, Magdala is a meeting place for prayer and reflection, with a special emphasis on the role of women in the history of faith.

The centre features the Duc In Altum, a chapel built for worship and meditation, with impressive mosaics and murals reflecting Gospel passages. Magdala has become a destination for pilgrims from around the world seeking a space to meet God in the Holy Land.