Magdala Center Migdal Israel

Location Name
Magdala Center

Street Address
Migdal, Sea of Galilee on Tiberias-Rosh Pina Road

City
Migdal

Type of Prayer Place
chapel, ruins

Description
Magdala Center is under development as a retreat center near the ruins of the ancient town of Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene who was a follower of Christ and a witness to the resurrection. It will serve as a holy place of worship, lodging and renewal when completed. Currently tours are being given of the archeological dig sites that have uncovered a first century synagogue with a unique and rare altar carving depicting worship in the Jewish Temple.
Among the first development on the site was a wonderful place for prayer and worship on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This area features an outdoor altar area shaped like a ship and chairs which can be used for sitting in prayer and contemplation.

Since our visit they have finished the Duc in Altum Chapel and construction is underway on guest quarters.

How I used this place of prayer
Five of us were on a prayer pilgrimage and we were given permission to use this area for a private devotional and prayer time. Here one of our members gave us an inspirational talk about the life and ministry of Mary Magdalene and we spent time in private prayer and meditation. The chapel will be named “Duc in Altum” named after the gospel account where Christ spoke to the crowds while seated on the disciples’ fishing boat and then told them to “Put out into the deep.” (Luke 5:4) Therefore, it is a wonderful place to pray about going deeper with your relationship with the Lord.

Hours of Operation & Admission Requirements
No admission charge, but donations welcome

Contact Information / Sponsoring Organization
www.magdalacenter.com

Personal Tips
The center is visible from the road at Migdal and will be on your right hand side of the road if you’re driving up from Tiberias. This center will be under development for a few years, including the archeological dig. They accept volunteers to assist with the dig and groups have come from different countries in the world to participate. What impresses me the most is that a new Holy site is being developed in Galilee, which is an extreme rarity. The center is designed to enhance the spiritual journey of Holy Land pilgrims and will include among other things the Magdalena Institute for Women which will “contribute to the recognition and advancement of the status and dignity of women.”  They have held conferences on women in the church and also interfaith conferences.

Although we visited while the center was still under construction and the only part open was the visitor’s center, archeological dig and the lakeside meditation point, I rate our experience there as a 5 because we had the rare opportunity to spend about an hour of private worship time and prayer with our small group at the lakeside outdoor chapel area. Having such luxury to have private devotions in a holy spot in Israel is very rare indeed! The lake itself is a glorious gift from God as you gaze on it and consider the many Scriptures about Christ’s footsteps around the lake.

Added by Guest on May 30, 2013