Thursday, November 08, 2012

Jesuit convention calls on youth to do more


Over 300 youth from across the country are taking part in the first Jesuit youth convention in Bangalore.

Title Magis, which means more, the convention is held under the theme ‘On pilgrimage with Christ at the Heart of the World.’

The participants of the five-day event are called pilgrims.

“It is a pilgrimage for the youth at a deeper level because it will not just be a gathering, but it also includes three days of exposure, refection and activities,” organisers of the event say.

Magis is a terminology used by St Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It is rooted in the Jesuit motto ‘Ad Majorem Dei Gloriem’ (For the greater glory of God).

This event is a platform inviting the pilgrims to give their best and yet desiring to do ‘more.’

The convention revolves around five pillars of MAGIS – prayer, celebration (Eucharist), activity (exposure to different kinds of service), Magis circle (reflection and deepening of experiences) and examen (ignatian spirituality).

Exposure is the major part of the convention as pilgrims are mixed into 15 groups of 20 members each and sent on a mission to serve.

The purpose of the exposure is to foster better interaction among the pilgrims.

They will have to live and work together in villages, slums, hospitals, homes for the aged, leprosy colonies in and around Bangalore along with their animators and guides.