Two decades ago, a group of legionaries of Christ & consecrated members of Regnum Christi undertook ato mission bold at Holy Land. Guiadis for the faith and with a clear mission, they began a work which today is sample of hope, service and spiritual encounter. This 20° anniversary marks aa stage significativ. not only for the Regnum Christi family, but also for all persons that to have benefited from the dedication and commitment of those who have been serving throughout the years in the land where Jesus lived, died and rose again.
A inicio full of hope
On December 3, 2004, the consecrated Graciela Magaña (+), Patrizia Revelli, Alessandra Soldati and Miriam Giacomán came to Notre Dame of Jerusalem, Juan Solana, L.C. & .Salvador Fernández, L.C, who had already been there since November 24 of the same year. It was a time of uncertainty, because at that time the agitation qThe flooding that affected the region made it difficult for pilgrims to visit. With much faith and will, they began to build from scratch little by little lto mission commissioned. Notre Dame, until then under the leadership of Don Aldo Toloto, became its base of work. As of 1° January 2005, they officially took over the administration of the site.
«Address the Center Notre Dame for 16 years has been a grace and an honor. Firsti, I am grateful to all of you for your service to the Holy See, for accompanying so many pilgrims on their journey to God, and for the challenges we encounter along the way. My heartfelt thanks to all of you l.s people who have made this mission possible», Juan Solana, L.C., commented.
The initial work was intense & practically from below. All this while adapting to the complex social and religious reality of the region.
A mision espiritual
Today, lhe presence of the Regnum Christi in the Holy Land is already an opportunity to live and share the Gospel accompanied by legionaries of Christ, consecrated women and lay people from the Regnum Christi family. The consecrated ones highlight the importance of not being accustomed to the privilege of dwelling and serving in the places where Christ lived, died and rose again. According to Miriam Giacomán, «every visit to Calvary, every walk in Jerusalem or every moment in Gethsemane is a renewed encounter with the living Christ.».
Alessandra Soldati's experience reinforces this view: «To know the details of the Gospel through the contemplation of these places is an experience that nourishes the soul. I wish that more people could come to the Holy Land, not only to the Holy Land, but also to the Holy Land. both as tourists, but rather as pilgrims, to give themselves the opportunity to be spiritually guided for this experience».».
Over the past 20 years, thousands of pilgrims have experience together with the consecrated women. Your main mission has been to accompany them in their encounter with Christ, allowing them to experience the Gospel live. The Holy Land, with its mix of sights, sounds and smells, offers a unique connection to sacred history.
From the feedback they receive, they know that cach pilgrim returns with a deeply personal experience. «God acts in each heart in a different way», he reflects Miriam Giacomán. «No matter who you are or what your expectations are, the Holy Land transforms you.».
A tierra de contrast and iportunities
Holy Land, with its constant tension political and social, represents a unique challenge. However, Notre Dame of Jerusalem has maintained its neutrality as a place of peace and encounter. This place, where cultures and creeds converge, is a testimony of hope in the midst of a context often marked by conflict.
Despite the difficulties, search go tor more lis fields of opportunity to create positive experiences. The value of being present with the local Christian community and respecting the holy places is a mission that is renewed every day..
Throughout these 20 years, the work of the consecrated of the Regnum Christi family together with the Legionaries of Christ in the Holy Land has been a beacon of light for pilgrims. More than a destination, the Holy Land has become an experience of faith and rediscovery of the Gospel.
The message from those who have served there is clear: living in the land of Jesus is a privilege and a responsibility. The invitacióo is for. that many people have the opportunity to visit these places & to do so in an open spirit, dejgoing to guider to live a experience ofl Gospel in depth. In the words of Alessandra Soldati: «May every pilgrimage be an authentic spiritual experience, not just a journey.».
Ehis anniversary also is a renewed commitment to be witnesses of Christ from the land of Jesus to the world whole. It should be noted that, as part of the anniversary, the consecrated women of the Holy Land launched its account of Instagram. Follow them here!
You can also learn more about the Center Notre Dame of Jerusalem, in her web page.
