By Marcella Richard and Jacob Panikulam
All eight young SFX PJ pilgrims who participated in the recent MAGIS-World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal returned home spiritually rejuvenated and are fired up to serve.
“The memories and experiences still remain fresh in both our minds and hearts. We are still relishing and recalling God’s care and providence during our recent journey to MAGIS-World Youth Day 2023. There were just so many things that touched and brought consolation to us throughout our journey,” said the SFX PJ pilgrims.
“All in all, this has been a remarkable and life-changing journey for us and we have grown both spiritually and mentally. Recognising that with the flaming power of the Holy Spirit, we can make our mark in the world. Our heartfelt thanks and utmost gratitude to all who have journeyed with us and have supported us through and through.”
MAGIS is a pre-World Youth Day gathering organised by the Jesuits in which young adults (18-35 years old) from the Ignatian Family come together from all over the world. Created in 1997, the programme provides “a week of experiences of reflection, sharing and prayer” with diverse experiences such as Arts and Culture; Ecology and Environment; Faith and Spirituality; Pilgrimage and Journey; as well as Solidarity and Service.
“MAGIS” is a Latin word which means more or greater. The term was used numerous times by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, to describe the way Christianity provides a deep personal connection with God. Hence, it became a key element for the Jesuits and for all who live their faith according to Ignatian Spirituality, paving for the way of life of those who live and serve in everything, for the greater glory of God.
MAGIS 2023 was held from 22 – 31 July 2023, with a theme “Creating A Hope-Filled Future”. For the first three days, participants stayed at Vila MAGIS (Colegio Sao Joao De Brito) in Lisbon, Portugal. Pilgrims from SFX PJ were Basilika Simon, Cassandra Leong, Roziama Matuh, Rachel Wong, Marcella Richard, Leona Kiu, Yvonne Lim and Jacob Panikulam. They were accompanied by two Jesuits Bro Nalerin Erone, SJ and Bro Aaron Lee, SJ.
For the experiences, they were evenly divided since there were 10 of them (5 for Faith and Spirituality, 5 for Solidarity and Service). Both of these programmes were held in Soutelo and Vila Real, respectively.
At the conclusion of MAGIS 2023, our SFX PJ pilgrims proceeded to World Youth Day 2023, which was held from August 1-6, in Lisbon with the theme “Mary arose and went with haste” (Luke 1:39). Pope Francis arrived in Lisbon on August 4th and was officially welcomed by the Portuguese government and the local church.
In his homily given at the Missioning Mass held at the above mentioned place, The Holy Father stressed the importance of allowing Jesus to shine in our lives and to be that ever-glowing beacon of hope for the church and the world.
At the end of the Mass, the Pope made two major announcements. Firstly, the year 2025 had been designated as the Jubilee Year of the Youth, and the Holy Father cordially invited everyone to join him in Rome for the Grand Opening. Secondly, the next World Youth Day, to be held in 2027, will be hosted by South Korea, in its capital, Seoul. This is the second time that a country in Asia shall host this grand event. The first Asian World Youth Day was held in Manila, Philippines back in 1995.
Reflecting on the entire experience of attending Mass during WYD 2023, the pilgrims said: “Recognizing that while we may speak different languages and hail from different cultures and countries, we are united through Christ and His church, as expressed by the blessed silence of 1.5 million youths during the holy adoration at the vigil with His Holiness held at the Campo Da Graca.”