On July 31, 2008, the Youthfest Encounter Magdala 2023. The event, which took place from July 21-31, was attended by 450 people from 25 countries. Pilgrims, families, young people, priests, consecrated women, nuns and volunteers traveled a geographical and spiritual itinerary for 10 days in the Holy Land under the motto “Whom do you seek” (Jn 20:15).
The feast of St. Mary Magdalene has been the appropriate occasion to initiate this activity that will be held annually, at least until 2033, the year in which the two thousandth anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ will be celebrated; an event in which Mary Magdalene had a very relevant role, being the one who brought the message to the apostles.
The Youthfest The musical support was provided by six renowned international singer-songwriters: Ana Bolívar, José Ignacio, David Filio, Paola Pablo, Rogelio Casasola and MaryCarmen Barría. The event also featured the participation of several influencers who supported the promotion, before and during the event, on their social networks, such as Catholic Link and the renowned artist Pati.te.
The route of the pilgrimage was designed around four C's. Walk: The idea was to physically visit the places where Jesus was and to walk in his footsteps. Expeditions were made such as climbing Mount Tabor, walking through the Wadi Hammam (valley of doves) and walking the Via Maris, the Via Dolorosa and the old city of Jerusalem, among others.
Singing: There were two evenings guided by music, and each pilgrim bus had the presence of a singer who enlivened the routes. On the 24th there was a concert in Duc In Altum where the aforementioned singer-songwriters participated, also accompanied by the band of Martín Valverde, who, due to the serious illness of his son Pablo, was unable to attend on this occasion.
On the evening of the 25th there was an adoration of praise and then, in turn, many pilgrims were able to accompany Jesus in the Eucharist, accompanied each hour by one of the singers. «The Youthfest It has been the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me in my life,» commented one of the participants.
Celebrate: Each day the participants enjoyed the presence of Christ through the Eucharistic celebrations that, according to the itinerary, were held in holy places such as Nazareth, Capernaum, Magdala, Bethlehem, Gethsemane and the Mount of the Beatitudes. In addition, numerous priests offered ample time for reconciliation and spiritual direction.
Share: Throughout the journey, the participants were able to share experiences, joys, jokes and fatigue. - It was like living a few days in a wonderful family - summed up one of the pilgrims.
«This is the first time we celebrate the Youthfest and we are more than satisfied. We have learned and we will try to improve, but in general, it has been a shower of grace. The road to completion has had many obstacles, but the joy of the participants motivates us to bless and praise God for all this,» commented Fr. Juan María Solana, LC, director of Magdala.
Next year we hope to repeat the event. God has confirmed us with so many signs and blessings that he wants us to continue,« added Fr. Solana.
At the closing ceremony, which took place in the ruins of the archaeological city of Caesarea Maritima, Fr. EncounterLord, teach us to pray“ (Lk 11:1). ”It is the theme that Pope Francis has suggested for the year 2024 in preparation for the Holy Year 2025. We want to join the Pope's directives and make Church from our little angle on the Sea of Galilee,« concluded Fr. Juan Solana, LC.
The event was shared and broadcast on Magdala's official social networks, counting 6,805 followers on the event's Instagram account (@encountermagdala) and approximately 85,000 views on the event's broadcasts on YouTube. Magdala would like to thank each and every one of the participants. Until the Encounter 2024!
(With information from Ana Paula Morales)
