Magis is a pastoral experience of Ignatian programs and events in the days leading up to World Youth Day for pilgrims from Jesuit institutions. The motto for this year’s Magis is “with Christ at the heart of the world.” The dates for Magis are August 5 – 15, 2011 and will be held in locations across Spain and Portugal.
Organized by the Society of Jesus and other institutions, the Magis initiative gets its name from the Jesuit phrase meaning “the more.” The roots of the phrase come from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, who encouraged those who follow Christ to examine their ability to do more for him and, in turn, for others. It is an expression of an aspiration and inspiration and is a tenet of Ignatian Spirituality.
This year’s Magis initiative will particularly resonate with Jesuits, their partners and those with an interest in Ignatian Spirituality as it’s taking place in the birthplace, homeland and at the sites where St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, underwent his spiritual conversion which ultimately led to the formation of the Society of Jesus and his writings of The Spiritual Exercises.
The Magis initiative was started in 1997 before the World Youth Day held in Paris, France. In 2005, in Cologne, Germany it was called Magis for the first time. In 2008, Magis was celebrated in Sydney, Australia and in 2011 it will be celebrated in Madrid in the days leading up to World Youth Day.
To learn more about Magis 2011, visit www.magis2011.org.
[youtube width=”500″ height=”360″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHw7rmVMCBE[/youtube]
