It’s difficult to imagine that hidden treasures still exist today, and that with the movement of the archaeologists’ tools, deeply heart-moving artifacts could so easily be uncovered and would substantiate the existence of a first century town, a synagogue, and even point to the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This is what happened at the site of ancient Magdala, believed to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene. The name Magdala comes also from the name Migdal meaning tower.
There are two very precious parts of the Magdala story – The first is historical: the roots of Mary Magdalene, the woman who came to Jesus believing that He could heal and deliver her from the torment that she lived under daily (Luke 8:1-3). She’d heard that she could be free and sought the Deliverer. He didn’t push her away; in fact, He drew her near and the demons left her. An eternal bond of love was established. Thus, she followed Him wherever He went – all the way to the Cross. He knew she loved Him and He gave her the precious task of being the first witness of His resurrection to the disciples. Over the centuries Magdala decayed due to various reasons – war, movement of people to other locations, and simple abandonment by the population. The city that existed at that time, along with the synagogue where it is believed that Jesus preached in on His way between the villages of the Galilee simply became covered with the sands and debris of time. Considered unimportant for centuries.
Enter the second and most fantastic part of the story! In 2005, Father Juan Solana from Mexico, a simple priest who was miraculously entrusted with a spiritually and physically rich section of land near the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The discoveries within this land would transform his original vision of a simple pilgrim hostel along the Galilee to an archaeological site that would become an important crossroads between Jews and Christians, men and women, as well as honoring the history of Mary Magdalene by intently focusing on the value of women, past and present. Making a place for healing and wholeness to continue in the hearts of women today.
The surprise began after Father Juan signed the papers for the property. Requirements under Israeli law, before anyone builds any modern site there must be archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority to excavate various points or portions of the property to be sure there were no valuable historical sites underneath. While traveling, Father Juan received a phone call, and this call would open a new door of possibilities and ministry in his heart. He was notified that Israeli archaeologists had discovered just 30 centimeters beneath the surface of land a first century synagogue! Not only that, an amazing stone, now called the Magdala Stone, was discovered situated in the center of this synagogue. This amazing stone had carved on the side of it a seven-branched menorah that is believed to be from the Second Temple period. Along with other carvings on the stone were oil lamps, palm trees, chariot wheels, and intriguingly a rosette with six petals in the circle of six more petals. This rosette was like the rosette depicted on the veil within the Temple.
Around the various parts of the property, continued excavation revealed first century pottery, valuable coins revealing more of the history of that area, stones from an ancient road were uncovered, as well as mikvaot near the synagogue for the ritual purification of those going into the synagogue. As the story continues to be revealed through ongoing excavations, the heart of those who have joined Father Juan: the many volunteers from all over the world, together carry the vision of, Yes, the hostel for pilgrims, but also the privilege of upholding the honor today of the first named inhabitant of Magdala – Mary. As Jesus honored her in her day, the movement for restoration and healing for women will continue today and Magdala plays an important role in this.
The two stories have now melded together to make one powerful story: past into present. Magdala is becoming a well-known site for Jewish and Christian encounters. Among many trainings and meetings offered to the public, seminars for women are given with a special focus on the restoration of their value and dignity, with an important emphasis on proper interpretation of scripture and its application to women’s roles in the Church today.
Also, there are daily opportunities for spiritual discovery facilitated through the journey through the Magdala site and completing in the Encounter Chapel—a lovely, quiet chapel, where one can sit and allow themselves to be aware of the continued presence of a savior who loves them and is the same yesterday, today, and forever.