{"id":13543,"date":"2018-03-08T10:24:44","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T16:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.regnumchristi.org\/en\/?p=13543"},"modified":"2023-06-21T16:10:47","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T20:10:47","slug":"a-glimpse-into-the-holy-land","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regnumchristi.com\/en\/a-glimpse-into-the-holy-land\/","title":{"rendered":"A Glimpse into the Holy Land"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Interviewer: Fr Eamon, what is your mission in the Holy Land right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fr Eamon: Ever since I first got here, when Legionaries asked me that question, I always said, \u201cMy mission is smiling.\u201d When somebody arrives in a foreign country, normally they are a tad apprehensive. When somebody comes to the Holy Land, it’s three times apprehensive. First, they\u2019re apprehensive because it’s just another foreign place. Secondly, a lot of stuff happens over here! Even fireworks can trigger concern. They want to find a bomb shelter. So, you need to say, \u201cCalm down there, relax, it’s just a birthday, graduation or wedding fireworks.\u201d And then there’s a deeper apprehension, because the person could enter [a] close encounter with God, who apparently often showed up around here. That could be pretty serious. Smiling also cuts the distance to the confessional in half.<\/p>\n

Hospitality is welcoming and receiving. We want people to connect humanly and [to] realize people here love and welcome them. They can relax, be at home, and they can be at home in Jesus\u2019 home. Just imagine the day Andrew and John noticed Jesus, and they walked behind him. He asks, \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d They say, \u201cWhere you live?\u201d Then they spent the whole afternoon with Jesus. Pilgrims are coming to look for Jesus, walk and stay with him. How should we receive them?<\/p>\n

Now I serve in Magdala<\/a> where we welcome pilgrims, just like I did in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the situation in Magdala? I think most people have heard about the <\/strong>first-century synagogue found there<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> but what else has been happening since then?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We did more excavations. In the last few years, we’ve slowed down new excavations because, when you excavate, the work isn\u2019t finished. You have to do conservation, because these treasures were protected underground by the damp soil and a constant temperature. Once you uncover ancient treasures, you’re responsible; our synagogue\u2019s frescoes and mosaics need protection from the elements.<\/p>\n

Restoration helps antiquities become more self-evident: how they were used and appeared. Academic work is also essential. Both excavation teams are studying the site: \u00a0the Anahuac University<\/a> and the Israeli Antiquities Authority. A site is not considered excavated until it\u2019s published. A publication provides an objective reference point for expert discussion.<\/p>\n

We are also adding new access as the numbers grow: in 2016, 76,000 visitors more than doubled [the number for] 2015, which was our first full year. In 2017, we welcomed 134,000. Already this year, January doubled and February grew by 50%. Rumors say 920 groups of Chinese visitors are supposed to come to the Holy Land this March \u2013 so Holy Land traffic will increase.<\/p>\n

Magdala is dubbed Crossroads of Jewish and Christian History. Lots of ecumenical and interfaith work here. God is using Magdala like an anti-inflammatory at the joints between Christian communities and between the Jewish and Christ World.<\/p>\n

As a St Mary Magdalene location, women are particularly front and center, as evidenced by our recent fourth annual International Conference, \u201cWomen of Excellence, Hope for Humanity.\u201d Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other women experience wonderful blessings.<\/p>\n

Our visitors have written reviews on TripAdvisor<\/a>. Now even atheists come because it\u2019s listed as one of the top things to do in Galilee [currently ranked the #1<\/a>]. Trip Advisor just started us on the Israel level, too.<\/p>\n

Guesthouse construction is progressing \u2013 could be further along but we depend completely on donations from the first brick to the last can of paint from visitors and their friends back home.<\/p>\n

Do we have an approximate completion date on other facilities like the guest house?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because everything here depends on donations, a precise date eludes us. In order to open the northern wing, we need three million dollars. Then we have the southern wing, the restaurant, and the full-fledged visitors center. Many opportunities to help. Maybe your readers would be interested in helping out<\/a> themselves or will know somebody, an Evangelical, Protestant, or Jewish neighbor. It would a great opportunity to leave a legacy at this crossroads of Jewish and Christian history.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve also been doing some <\/strong>videos on Facebook<\/strong><\/a> where you reflect on the Gospels with the scene from the Holy Land in the background. How did that get started?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Five years ago, people told me it’s important to offer a platform where people can see the Holy Land from outside \u2013 to spread the word in a way that people begin to take interest. I haven’t developed it in a focused way because it’s not the main [use] of my time.<\/p>\n

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