MAGIS & WORLD YOUTH DAY
World Youth Day takes over the streets of Lisbon
MORE, MORE,
more!
In the days before World Youth Day, young people from all over the world came together for the Magis programme, in which they participated in ‘experiences’ that opened their eyes to the presence of God in different ways. Two pilgrims reflect on their time in Portugal this summer.
MATTHEW O’DOWD I had long aspired to go to World Youth Day, partially driven by friends who had previously attended, but also out of appreciation for its founder, Pope St John Paul II. I was also offered the opportunity to attend Magis, an Ignatian spirituality programme preceding World Youth Day. At a taster day in London, I was moved by how very simple exercises could have such a profound impact. I went home that day feeling truly at peace and inspired by the idea of ‘more’. A delayed flight meant that I didn’t arrive at the ‘Magis villa’ until 1am, yet the welcoming smile of the 6
Jesuits & Friends Winter 2023
organisers was a demonstration that the Holy Spirit was working, even at unsociable hours! I was touched by the atmosphere of joy, with laughter, song and dance accompanying the whole experience, even in the 45-minute dinner queue! I was sent on a ‘Magis experiment’ with around twenty others to Baleal Island, a beautiful opportunity to experience God through waves and sunsets. We gathered after breakfast each day for morning prayer and to hear where we would be sent for the day’s ‘challenge’; it was like being on a spiritual reality TV show! The experience consisted of a surf lesson,
beach-cleaning, a pilgrimage and service in a local community centre. We ended each day with a ‘Magis circle’, an opportunity to meditate and reflect on the presence of God in the day’s activity. It was encouraging to be able to talk openly about my faith with a group of like-minded believers. I was among a diverse group with a range of ages and languages, yet I was inspired by the openness and depth with which others shared and, in particular, by how inhibitions about discussing faith were released as the week went on. Even after just a few days, the relationships formed among our group were extremely strong. The final Mass of Magis was an emotional experience. Receiving the eucharist felt ever more special, reminding us that even as we went our separate ways, we would still be bound together in communion. That feeling remains with me today and has inspired me to prepare myself better each time I receive communion.
