On Sunday, August 04, 2024, on the Feast day of Saint John Marie Vianney, the Youth of Holy Cross Church, Nashik organized Magis programme for all the youth of Nashik Diocese. The theme for this programme was “Gather and Grow in Friendship”. That day was also Friendship Day, and so the Youth were excited to come together and grow in friendship among themselves, but ultimately with Jesus Christ and the Church. 141 Youth from eight parishes, along with 15 religious and priests, participated in this programme. Bishop Barthol Barretto came to celebrate Mass to encourage our Youth and to grow in friendship with them.
Magis is a simplified practical form of Ignatian spirituality for the youth today. It is about opening up new avenues, new horizons of our individual, community and human society in the mission of Christ. Therefore, I ask myself, what have I done for Christ? what am I doing for Christ? and what will I do for Christ?
All the five elements of Magis - Eucharist, Experience, Magis Circle, Prayer and Examen - helped our youth to go deeper into themselves, to see God working in their own lives and connect with one another. Along with these elements of Magis, the singing and dancing and the creative games and interactive conversations at meal times infused in them the spirit of togetherness, understanding, and growth.
Fr Vijay Gonsalves SJ