Jennifer Ristine is a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi who is originally from Chicago, but now lives a long way from home, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. She’s back in the United States this summer, speaking to different audiences around the country about her work in the Holy Land.
In her talks, Jennifer is introducing people to a close friend of hers, St. Mary of Magdala. Eleven years ago, after 11 years of consecrated life, she experienced a sudden awareness of her own weaknesses in a new way. Seeking a way to grow in her spiritual life and looking for an example to follow, she was struck by passages of the bible about Mary Magdalene. For 3 years, every night before bed, Jennifer would ask our Lord to give her a heart like Mary of Magdala, a heart purified and poured out for God.
Several years later, she was asked to go to the Holy Land to work at the Magdala Center. She said yes. During these past four years she has also written a book about the saint who has drawn her close. Coming out July 22nd, 2018, her book is called Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala- Unveiling the Mystery.
In her book and in her talks, she draws on scriptural texts, theological knowledge, and spiritual reflections to bring alive the encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Jennifer presents the saint’s life and identity as a mosaic of discoveries that are being made in scripture, history, geography and archeology. Her speaking tour has already visited New York, the DC area, and Rhode Island, and she has upcoming engagements in Chicago and Texas.
The talk she gave in mid-May, at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center in Washington, DC, was recorded and is available on You Tube.
Part 1
Part 2
More information on the beloved saint and the Magdala Center can be found at www.magdala.org.
