Encounter Magdala 2024 will be a journey of faith and love for God, as preparation for the celebration of the year 2033, anniversary of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Due to the current conflict in the Middle East, Magdala has decided to bring an experience of the Holy Land to Mexico from July 25 to 28 of this year. The Encounter Magdala is an event that will take place in Puebla, a state notable for the deep-rooted presence of the Congregation of the Franciscans, who have guarded the sacred sites of the Holy Land for over 800 years. Additionally, Puebla has more than 500 churches spread throughout its territory and a Catholic population exceeding 80%, according to data from the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (INEGI). This profound connection is evident in the presence of elements inspired by the Land of Jesus, such as part of the Way of the Cross and various monuments, making Puebla a significant place to experience the spirituality of the Holy Land.

The event, which will feature the prominent participation of the Archbishop of Puebla, Monsignor Víctor Sánchez, is conceived as a journey of faith and devotion to God, designed as preparation for the celebration of the year 2033, commemorating the anniversary of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The Encounter Magdala, just like in its previous edition, is based on four fundamental pillars: Sing, Walk, Share, and Celebrate. This gathering brings together young people and those “young at heart” who, through pilgrimages, prayers, songs, and spiritual accompaniment, seek to deeply experience the love of Christ. It is a unique opportunity to nourish faith and strengthen the bond with Christian spirituality.

During the Encounter Magdala, a unique night of concert will be experienced, with the participation of prominent artists such as José Ignacio Martínez and Paola Pablo, who will perform the hymn “Teach Us to Pray” from the Prayer Pilgrimage. We will also have the presence of the talented singer Ana Bolívar, from the Cielo Abierto community, and Rogelio Casasola, known for his moving song “Rain of Grace,” hymn of the Grace Pilgrimage. This musical night is designed to immerse pilgrims in the atmosphere of the Holy Land through captivating songs and videos that will be projected.

The event itinerary highlights a visit to the picturesque city of San Pedro Cholula, the charming town of Santa María Tonantzintla, and the historic Church of San Francisco Acatepec. Additionally, it includes a meaningful pilgrimage from the municipality of Tecali de Herrera to the municipality of Cuautinchan. The Eucharistic Celebrations will take place in the auditorium of the Cultural Complex of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), accompanied by spiritual talks, as well as a night of adoration and praise.

“Puebla was an important center for evangelistic outreach. Many orders and religious congregations were established there, as attested by the churches of the historic center, the convents, the old Jesuit College, and the Cathedral. Puebla was key in the first evangelization of North America, and the evangelization of the Philippines also passed through there,” comments Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C., General Director of Magdala.

For more information and to participate, you must register on the website https://bit.ly/magdalaencounter2024, where you will receive all the details.