Magdala Center announced the launch of its new virtual pilgrimage “Walking through the Holy Land with Saint Luke”.
The Zenit news agency has published an article about this virtual pilgrimage, guided by Father Juan María Solana, L.C., which offers the faithful an extraordinary opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Gospel of Saint Luke and explore the sacred sites of the Holy Land from the place where they participate.
We reproduce the article below.
Magdala announces new virtual pilgrimage with P. Juan Solana: “Walking through the Holy Land with Saint Luke” | ZENIT
Magdala announces new virtual pilgrimage with P. Juan Solana: “Walking through the Holy Land with Saint Luke”
In the context of the Holy Year 2025, dedicated to the theme “pilgrim of hope,” the figure of Saint Luke resonates deeply, as his message invites the faithful to renew their trust in God’s love and mercy. The virtual pilgrimage is like a drip irrigation that, drop by drop, nourishes faith and makes hope flourish in the hearts of the participants. In times of difficulty, these small spiritual drops accumulate to create a larger and more powerful movement, keeping alive the connection with the Holy Land and strengthening faith.
This virtual pilgrimage, guided by Father Juan María Solana, L.C., offers the faithful an extraordinary opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Gospel of Saint Luke and explore the sacred sites of the Holy Land from their own home. The pilgrimage will follow the liturgical cycle C, which begins on December 1, 2024, and ends 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 Saint 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 Saint 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 unrest. Despite the difficulties of undertaking physical pilgrimages, the faithful will be able to spiritually unite in 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 flourish 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 Saint Luke and 10 on the Gospel of Saint John, which will guide participants in a profound reflection on the Word of God. Every Monday, Father Juan will send registered participants a meditation via email, so they can prepare their hearts and minds for the Sunday liturgy. The meditations will not only enrich participation in the Holy Mass but also allow participants to connect with the history and culture of the Holy Land, living the Holy Year 2025 as true “pilgrims of hope.”
Saint Luke: a bridge between the past and the present
The Gospel of Saint Luke not only documents the events of Christ’s life but also highlights the universality of the message of salvation, reaching all corners of the world and all generations. The virtual pilgrimage allows the faithful to rediscover the current relevance of Saint Luke’s teachings, inviting them to reflect on their own faith journey and their relationship with God in daily life. Additionally, by exploring the historic sites of the Holy Land, participants will experience the cultural and spiritual richness of this region, known as the cradle of Christianity.
Launch event calendar
The launch of the pilgrimage will be accompanied by a series of special events to prepare participants and deepen the themes to be addressed during the year:
- October 28: Interview with the 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 Saint Luke.
- November 25: Preparatory reflection for the start of the liturgical year.
How to join the pilgrimage
Starting October 28, the weekly meditations will be sent every Monday via email to all registered participants, who can enrich their spiritual preparation for the Sunday liturgy. To register and be part of this transformative experience, visit the website https://www.magdala.org/es/peregrinacion/san-lucas and subscribe to the pilgrimage newsletter. The virtual pilgrimage is completely free of charge.
About Magdala
Magdala is an archaeological site on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel, known as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, a central figure in the New Testament. With deep historical and religious significance, Magdala has evolved into a destination for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. Through spaces such as Duc In Altum, the archaeological site, and the guesthouse, the center offers visitors a bridge between the past and the present, connecting the 1st century with today, in an environment conducive to renewing faith and hope.