On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar in Galilee, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration marking the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene at the church dedicated to her name, situated in the region of Magdala on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
The Mass was concelebrated with Fr. Juan Solana, the Director of Magdala Center, alongside a number of priests and a large assembly of faithful, gathered to honor the saint who was the first to proclaim to the disciples the joyous news of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Msgr. Nahra opened his homily by affirming that the Church continues to live in the spirit of the Easter Octave, even as it mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He invited the faithful to unite their prayers with His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the 199 Cardinals, and all the faithful gathered for the funeral Mass, which coincided with this the celebration of the Mass.
Reflecting on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, Msgr. Nahra recalled that Pope Francis, the Apostle of Mercy, elevated her liturgical commemoration to a feast in 2016, during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, and bestowed upon her the title "Apostle of the Apostles."
He highlighted the significance of this remarkable woman who followed Christ with unwavering faith and love. And emphasized that the Risen Lord chose Mary Magdalene to be the first to announce His victory over death — even though He could have revealed Himself directly to the Apostles — teaching them, and us as well, the path of faith and trust. He explained that Christ sought to build with His disciples a relationship rooted in faith and confidence, unshaken by fear of disappointment, because He was returning to the Father, and their relationship with Him was destined to transform. Thus, He sent Mary Magdalene to carry the message, inviting all believers to trust and believe without hesitation.
Msgr. Nahra then recalled the final homily of Pope Francis, who, reflecting on the Gospel of the Resurrection, urged the faithful to imitate the fervent love and eagerness that moved Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John to run to the empty tomb.
The Pope's words reminded the faithful that the Resurrection calls us to seek the living Christ not among the dead, but within the vibrant spaces of life — for He is alive, present among us, revealed in the faces of our brothers and sisters, and woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Msgr. Nahra went on to underscore the profound importance of Christian hope — a hope that transcends human logic. He reflected on how, in their initial fear, the disciples had locked themselves behind closed doors, hesitant to believe. Yet their faith was renewed when they encountered the Risen One. This hope, Bishop Nahra noted, inspired Pope Francis to proclaim the upcoming Jubilee Year under the theme: Hope Does Not Disappoint.
In conclusion, Msgr. Nahra affirmed that our God is a God of love and life, who feels our weaknesses and walks beside us. He invoked the intercession of Saint Mary Magdalene and the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking that the Lord may renew within us a living hope amid the challenges and trials we face.
About Magdala Center
The Magdala Center is located in the ancient village of Magdala, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, and stands today as one of the most significant spiritual and archaeological sites in the Galilee region. The center features the modern and uniquely designed Boat Chapel, which commemorates Jesus preaching from the boat. During his pastoral pilgrimage to the Holy Land on May 26, 2014, Pope Francis blessed the tabernacle that now graces the chapel’s altar.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the center encompasses remarkable archaeological remains of the ancient city — believed to be the birthplace of Saint Mary Magdalene herself. Dedicated to honoring women who love God and live by faith, the Magdala Center offers pilgrims from around the world a sacred space imbued with serenity and reverence. Here, visitors are deeply inspired by the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, a radiant model of conversion, unwavering faith, and steadfast discipleship.
