130 students attend MAG+S 4 SAPUC in Mangalore

On : 2022-11-01

MAG+S 4 SAPUC (St Aloysius Pre-University College), held at St Aloysius Student Hostel, Someshwara, Ullal from October 22-24, was a spiritual pilgrimage for more than 130 students mostly from St Aloysius PU College, and a few from the surrounding colleges in Mangalore. The uniqueness of MAG+S 4 SAPUC was that the logistics of the whole programme were planned, organised and executed by a core group of AICUF youth of St Aloysius Degree College led by Br Bleston, Callistus Monterio, Amith Pereira and Supreet and AICUF members of SAPUC. Frs Sujay Daniel SJ, Fr Maxim Dias SJ and Br Reuell SJ were the animators to the core group.

MAG+S was inaugurated by Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions on October 22 in a traditional Mangalorean style with an adaptation of traditional ‘Ojehem’ (carrying household gifts for the ceremony) and Yakshagana followed by the release of flying hot air lanterns to mark the season of Deepavali. During the inaugural, Fr Pinto shared his own life story as a testimony for God’s unconditional love and he emphasised the need for youth leadership in the Church and especially in society. He also pointed out the need to nurture the spiritual dimension of life to live it holistically.

The inaugural mass was followed by a brief introduction to the five pillars of MAG+S namely the Eucharist, Ignatian Immersion, Ignatian Contemplation, Ignatian Examen and MAG+S circles. The whole event was concluded by a festive mass on October 24 by Fr Clifford Siqueira SJ, Principal of SAPUC, who emphasised the need for cultivating spiritual depth and a sense interconnectedness. The Eucharist was followed by MAG+S flash mob and video presentation.

MAG+S SAPUC, was an excellent example of what inspired and motivated youth, who are trained in leadership and collaboration can do when they are empowered and trained in Ignatian charism and worldview.

Some highlights of MAG+S 4 SAPUC-2022

Taizen prayer at the beach
A creative nature mass offered by Fr Maxim Dias and Fr Sujay Daniel
Ignatian immersion organised at Ovalvinahalli and Snehalaya, both houses for destitute and mentally challenged individuals
A candlelight walking pilgrimage to the Holy Hill, Mangalore with recitation of the Rosary followed by MAG+S circle on the hill
Celebration of Depavali by sending peace lanterns in the air
Listening to the testimonies of personal conversions to Jesus by Nimmy Alex and Suraj and two MAG+S pilgrims/participants themselves