21 Years of Presence of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi in the Holy Land

By Bianca de Mattos

November 5th - Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

What can be said about 21 years of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi serving at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center and in the Holy Land?

Our presence began in a simple and free way — serving the Church and the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center. That spirit of availability and generosity became the foundation upon which everything else was built. Over the years, through God’s grace, this foundation has borne abundant fruit.

Together with the Legionaries of Christ and the lay members of Regnum Christi, we have sought to respond to the realities and needs of this land, trusting always in Divine Providence. God’s hand is often revealed here through mysterious and challenging circumstances — from the early 2000s intifada to the global pandemic and the recent war in Gaza. Yet, each trial has opened new paths for our service.

In a moment of institutional uncertainty, under the leadership of the Legionaries of Christ and Fr. Juan Solana, L.C., the Magdala Center took root. When the pandemic struck, virtual pilgrimages were born. Even amid prolonged conflict, our enduring presence has remained a testimony of fidelity and hope.

Our apostolic work has centered on accompanying pilgrims. Formed both spiritually and intellectually, the Consecrated Women have a profound desire to help others encounter the Holy Land as the Fifth Gospel. Whether guiding pilgrimages or leading visits to the Synagogue of Magdala, the Pentecost Room, or the Shroud Exhibit at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, we seek to offer not only knowledge but an experience — one that unites faith, history, and the living presence of Christ.

In our early years, we also devoted much energy to serving adolescents through youth camps, which allowed us to connect deeply with Christian families and collaborate in their faith formation. In more recent years, our accompaniment has continued through supporting young people in their sacramental preparation and ongoing journey of faith after Confirmation — helping them to face life’s questions in the light of Christ.

A great gift from God has been the close collaboration with local Christian communities in Jerusalem and Galilee, as well as with many religious and consecrated persons from various

congregations and movements. Together we share celebrations, courses, events, and most importantly, prayer. As Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has often reminded us, prayer is at the heart of our contribution to the Church in the Holy Land. From this life of prayer flows our calling: to recognize, even amid the most difficult circumstances, the signs of God’s presence and His constant action — so that we may, in turn, bring hope to others.

If you’d like to know more about our life in the Holy Land, we warmly invite you to follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consagradasrc_tierrasanta/

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