In 2023, a production team traveled to Israel with the purpose of filming prayer workshops held in the Holy Land. Everything seemed to proceed normally until, in an instant, everything changed: war arrived with its pain, but in the midst also came conversion and encounter with God.

Amidst the shock and uncertainty, a testimony of faith emerges that challenges the limits of reason. Rabbuní, the new documentary that follows the prayer workshops led by Marian Reynoso together with 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 transformed into a prayer experience amidst war, an unexpected conversion, and a reminder that faith can flourish in any circumstance. 

A documentary amidst conflict

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

The workshop participants, along with the production team, faced days of uncertainty and tension. However, instead of succumbing to fear, they chose to surrender to faith. “We decided to stay and keep praying, understanding that we had to entrust ourselves into God’s hands with full confidence,” is heard in the documentary. 

The conversion of a cameraman 

One of the most impactful turns in the story was the conversion of Ramiro Martínez, the producer and cameraman of the documentary. What started as a technical task turned into a personal encounter with faith. “From my camera, I was no longer just an observer, but a participant,” confesses Martínez. “I had never experienced anything like this. I was accompanied by all that contained energy, all those prayers. This became my own dome of protection that I still carry with me to this day.” 

Praying in the Holy Places 

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

“The most important benefit of conducting a prayer workshop in the Holy Land is being in the original scene 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 gains much greater strength. This setting invites us to 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 amidst our difficulties. It invites us to ask ourselves the same question Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” (Jn 21:17). And, like Mary Magdalene, respond with the heart: Rabbuní, Teacher. 

Documentary teaser

What is Magdala? 

Magdala is an archaeological site and a Christian spirituality center in the Galilee region, 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 place for encounter, prayer, and reflection, with a special emphasis on the role of women in the history of faith. 

The center features the Duc In Altum, a chapel built for adoration 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 encounter God in the Holy Land. 

Information provided by the Magdala Center Press Office