Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 25: The Latin word Magis can be translated as ‘more, better, fuller.’ Saint Ignatius of Loyola used this word to describe how authentic Christianity fosters a deep connection with Christ. Magis offers an opportunity to share a unique experience based on three levels like individual growth, relationship with God and intercultural dialogue. The students of various zones from Karnataka attended a three-day Magis 2019 event.
The venue of Magis is Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Harihar. Registration was followed by inauguration. The band along with NCC and all the students escorted the guests to the platform. The chief guest for the day was Fr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ rector of St Joseph’s College Bengaluru. President Fr Francis Menezes SJ, Mission Superior of Mundagod, Fr Eric Mathias SJ superior and principal of St Aloysius college Harihar, Fr Prashanth D’Souza SJ, chairman of Magis 2019, Fr Joy Rodrigues SJ, youth coordinator of Bengaluru, Fr Pradeep Antony SJ, youth coordinator of Mangaluru were present.
Students of St Aloysius College Harihar welcomed the gathering through a welcome dance followed by a prayer song. Magis 2019 was inaugurated by lighting a lamp. Sunny Gudino, principal of St Aloysius PU College delivered the welcome speech. Fr Pradeep Antony SJ addressed the gathering highlighting the Magis circle which is composed of five steps. Shobha Monis, lecturer of English at St Aloysius College delivered the vote of thanks.
The hall was then opened for the spiritual renewal by Fr Richard Quadros. A delicious meal was arranged for the gathering. After the one hour lunch break the next session began with confessions. Students from different parts of the state came forward to confess. After the spiritual renewal, the students were left for a thirty minute tea-break followed by an inner healing session. Later, the sacred eucharist was celebrated by the Archbishop of Davangere, Dr Francis Serrao SJ.
The most awaited session of the day, the Ice Breaking session was conducted by Fr Vincent Pereira SJ and team. Students were divided into groups and their inner talents were brought out through various events including dance, music and games. After this dinner followed closing the day with the Magis Circle.
Magis circle helps the students to build a stronger community by sharing common fears, joys and questions. Students from different zones were divided into groups and were asked to speak about their perspectives of the day’s events through rounds of discussion. Students shared their experience and satisfaction and happiness could be seen on their faces. The Magis Circle was the highlight of the day and with this, the first day of Magis came to an end.
The fundamental idea of Magis is to try to do more, better, greater, for God.
The second day of Magis began with a sacred eucharist. All the students gathered for holy mass. The highlight of the day was rally on the concern for our mother earth which began from the church campus. All the students as well as priests and teachers took part in the rally. The students carried different slogans on the importance of mother earth and ways in which earth can be saved. The main aim of the rally was to create awareness among the people about the importance of mother earth. A few slogans acted as a mirror of society regarding their nastiness and tried to tilt their minds by saying what we need to do to protect and care for mother earth.
The rally was from the church to the stadium. Hundreds of people gathered at the stadium and on this occasion, Shri Sharadeshanandha Swami from Vivekananda Math addressed the gathering which was followed by Fr Antony Peter’s speech. Students reached back to the church for a delicious lunch. the afternoon session began with Magis circle where all the students actively participated. Students from different zones were divided into groups where they got a chance to meet and share their experiences with new faces. Magis circle began with a moment of silence and reflection. They were not just groups; within a short time, they felt like a family.
All the students literally enjoyed the Magis Circle. The most awaited part of the day, the cultural programme began after dinner. The students were thrilled to show off their talents. The hall then witnessed a variety of entertainment like songs, dance, skit, comedy etc. Even though cultural events are a source of entertainment, students tried to deliver valuable messages through dance and skit. The program ended dispersing the students with hearts full of joy.
The final day of Magis began with the guest being Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ rector of St Aloysius College. The morning session was by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ. Hanumantharaya, IPS, SP of Davangere addressed the students, speaking about various examinations specially IAS and IPS examination. This was followed by Dr Isabella’s speech. Dr Isabella narrated her own life experience where she fought against all consequences singlehandedly. Dr Isabella’s speech was motivation for all the students present there. Her message to the students was to be strong and to not fear anything and finally to never step back.
After enjoying a hearty lunch there was an examination of the three-day programme. The students were divided into groups and asked to share their experiences at the camp and also about what they learned from Magis. In the valedictory, some students were asked to come forward and to share their experience. It was crystal clear from the words of the students that they enjoyed as well as learned a lot from Magis. Wide smiles could be seen on the faces of the students. Fr Eric Mathias SJ Superior and Principal of St Aloysius college delivered the vote of thanks. All the coordinators as well as all the helping hands were called upon the stage. All the lecturers of St Aloysius College who worked as coordinators as well as the priest and all the students who worked day and night were thanked on the stage. With this, Magis 2019 came to an end with the students parting with heavy hearts and hoping to meet again.