Magis – a word known to every Jesuit – has a unique aura when it is heard in the evergreen youth circles. It brings to mind “MAGIS” – the programme designed to give youth a deep spiritual experience. MAGIS comprises of five pillars, namely – Prayer, Eucharist, Experience, Magis circle and Examen. Through these different pillars, we travel an internal path towards Christ, and an external one that leads us towards others. Just as St. Ignatius called himself a “pilgrim”, and describes himself as one who seeks his comfort in God alone, so also the participants in MAGIS are called a “Pilgrim.”
Every 3 years an international Magis is organized. This year MAGIS-23 is organized in Portugal from 22nd July to 31 July. It precedes the World Youth Day. “Creating a Hope Filled Future” is the theme for Magis. The JYMSA coordinator Fr. Arbind Beck SJ organized a 3-day orientation programme in Sneh Jyoti, Vadodara, Gujarat, from 13th Jan to 15th Jan 2023.
The orientation began with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Ambrose SJ the Superior. The main resource persons were Fr. Brian Pereira SJ and Sch Reuell Paul SJ. Fr. Durai Fernand SJ – Provincial of Gujarat, gave the Keynote address. Fr. Brian shared with the group the spirit behind the Magis Programme, whereas Sch. Reuell shared the basic details of the programme.
On Sunday, we visited the statue of Unity. While the statue being a symbol of unity, it reminds us also of the large amount of work to be done for people to feel that true sense of unity and brotherhood in the country. The orientation ended on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Eucharist and the pilgrims leaving for their home, to gear up for the larger pilgrimage to come.
Ivan, SJ
Bombay Province
