In addition to the traditional large houses for pilgrims in the Holy Land, a new one has recently been added. It is the House of the Pilgrims of Magdala: 160 double rooms, near an archaeological park, visited every day by more than 1500 people, on the western shore of Lake Tiberias. A truly majestic complex, managed by the Legionaries of Christ, built in the place where Maria di Magdala was born and lived. The opening of the complex was celebrated with a big party. Fr JUAN SOLANA, LC Creator of the project of the House of Magdala "I think it's the first of this millennium. It is located in Magdala, so in a place that has a lot to do with women, with mothers, with grandmothers, with all the women in the world. I want to thank all the generous people who worked as volunteers, as benefactors, as artists." Among them, Maria Fernández Ortiz, who gave the overall artistic imprint of the structure. MARIA FERNÁNDEZ ORTIZ Artist The idea was to create an urban concept in the new house for pilgrims: that's why I designed this fountain, which is called "source of living water". The focus is on the transparency of the water - we have the water that comes from below, from the subsoil. The work culminates in the mosaic that represents Galilee. It was created with almost one and a half million tiles... small natural stones, each with its own colour, from different countries and continents. The idea and the culmination of this urban concept are to invite pilgrims, tourists and all those who come here to discover the Land of Jesus, but also what was before Jesus: in short, an idea of "transparency" towards the history of Judaism and Christianity. On the part of the local church, but not only, the commitment to welcoming pilgrims to the Holy Land, whose number continues to grow, is increasingly important. HE Card CARLOS AGUIAR RETES Archbishop of Mexico City - Primate of Mexico "Coming to know these places for the first time is always a very big emotion. This complex has everything necessary for days of spiritual retreat, of meditation. These places are very important for the Church, and they have been important since the time of St. Francis. Now we have a new and very important place, this is where the joy of this day comes from." HE Mgr PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "This is a sign that we are not anchored in the past, in what has always been done. We are open to new forms to welcome pilgrimages. I hope that all those who come here to Magdala will be able to meet, together with the beautiful stones, the witness of the Risen Christ." Read More