Fr Eamon, LC, and Robert Gebbie interviewed by Bertha Lynn of KMGH Channel 7.

June 6, 2011. Denver, Colo. – An event in Denver scheduled for next week is drawing a lot of attention from the local media.  Radio, television and newspaper outlets are touting the Galilee Gala, scheduled for June 8, 2011, at the Denver Museum of Natural Science, 2011 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado.  The fundraising event will support the Magdala Project and a significant archeological discovery of an ancient synagogue there.

A first century synagogue was found during construction of the center, which is located on the site of the ancient city of Magdala.  The synagogue is considered to be the oldest in northern Israel.  A large limestone rock was found with a carving of a seven branched menorah, thought to be the oldest sculpted depiction on stone of the ancient Jewish symbol.

The Magdala Project, which will include preserving and exhibiting the ruins of the synagogue, involves construction of a hotel for pilgrims to the Holy Land and a multimedia center detailing the message and life of Jesus and the history of the land.  The center is also intended to promote the vocation and dignity of women, inspired by the figure of Mary Magdalene. 

The Galilee Gala was mentioned on the “Caplis and Silverman” radio show on station KHOW- AM in Denver.  Dan Caplis, who is Catholic, and Craig Silverman, who is Jewish, interviewed Fr. Eamon Kelly LC, assistant director of the Magdala Center, and Bob Gebbie, USA Director for the Magdala Project development. 

“They were so positive and promoted the Gala powerfully,” said Fr. Eamon. To listen to the interview, click here.

Fr. Eamon was also interviewed at 11:00 am May 23, 2011 on the ABC-TV affiliate in Denver, Channel 7.  Click here to watch. 

An article is running in the most recent issue of the Denver Archdiocesan newspaper, The Denver Catholic Register, entitled “Gala to benefit pilgrimage center, archeological dig in the Holy Land.”

Because of its significance to Christians, as well as Jews and other religions, the Magdala Center and the site of the ancient synagogue are expected to draw countless pilgrims after its planned opening in December, 2012.

For more information or to register to attend the Galilee Gala, go to the following link, and to find out more about Magdala Center, go to www.magdalacenter.com or www.notredamecenter.org.