Author Archives: Jennifer Ristine

Living in the “Fifth Gospel”, the Holy Land, tantalizes the imagination.  Recently it brought about a line of thought I never imagined my mind would take.  I asked the question: When we think of the exalted vocation of motherhood, we … Continue reading →

I’ve had the privilege of living in Magdala, the ancient first-century hometown of Mary Magdalene, for three years, where we have received more than 200,000 visitors.  And with that comes a multitude of opinions about Mary Magdalene.  I have read … Continue reading →

This July 22 will be a special day in the Catholic Church, and even more special for MAGDALA.  It will be a day to celebrate a woman’s role in evangelizing.  It is a day to celebrate the life-giving freedom of … Continue reading →

If stones could talk, I would fire many questions at the unique Magdala stone uncovered in 2009 in the recently discovered first century synagogue. But they can’t talk; and so we are left to speculate, with the help of scholars … Continue reading →

You can’t call it a vacation. But can you call it school? Sunday to Thursday, November 30 to December 4, 70 student and 10 teachers camp out and excavate the first century town of Magdala. The ninth grade class of … Continue reading →

When I think of a volunteer experience I think of playing with underprivileged kids, caring for elderly, feeding the poor or building house for the homeless. But Magdala on the Sea of Galilee offers a unique volunteer experience. How is … Continue reading →

Life in the Holy Land is a constant reminder to me that I am a pilgrim…marveling and learning along the way, but not yet having arrived to the final destination. As pilgrims, along the way we experience a multitude of … Continue reading →

One week into my “new life” in the Holy Land and I am overwhelmed by the blessings and newness of this place. There are constant paradoxes…a place of strife amidst varying cultures, yet a place where many discover peace of … Continue reading →

Life as a consecrated woman is one of obedience and availability to serve in whatever way we are asked. I never imagined being asked to go to the Hold Land. As a matter of fact I never even set my … Continue reading →

Pentecost was alive a day early in the hearts of 100 some old, middle age, and young people as they gathered in St. Agatha’s parish in Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a Day of Evangelization on June 8th. This was the … Continue reading →