SAC Mag+s 2023 held at Aloysius Student Home

On : 2023-04-25

Mag+s 2023 - a Catholic youth integrated formation programme - was organised on the premises of St Aloysius Students' Home (ASH) Someshwar, Ullal Mangalore from April 21-23.

Mag+s was inaugurated by Dr (Fr) Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), in the classic Mangalorean manner with a modified version of the traditional ‘wojeh’ which was followed by the release of flying hot air lanterns.

Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D'Souza presided at the inaugural mass. He emphasised how important it is for young people to be leaders in the church and, more importantly, in society. In order to live a holistic existence, he also made note of the necessity of nurturing the spiritual side of life.

A brief explanation of the five pillars of MAG+S - the Eucharist, Ignatian Immersion, Ignatian Contemplation, Ignatian Examen, and Mag+s circles - took place after the first service.

Highlights of SAC MAG+S 2023 included nature meditation, beach meditation, a Taizé prayer led by Fr Joyson Vas SJ, a creative nature mass by Fr Royston Madtha SJ, adoration and praise and worship led by Fr Stephan Lobo OCD, prayer for the deceased conducted by Fr Joel Fernandes SJ and the testimonies by Ms Corrine Rasquinha, Mr Roshan, Ms Letitia, and Dr Richard Gonsalves. Ignatian immersion held at various orphanages, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres in the city of Mangalore, a walking pilgrimage to the Holy Hill, Mangalore, with the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet on the hill were the other significant events.

Dr (Fr) Praveen Martis SJ officiated at the valedictory mass. Fr Ashwin Cardoza, director of Indian Catholic Youth Movement, diocese of Mangalore, preached the homily, saying that if you have faith in the omnipotent, you can build a future full of hope for the greater glory of God.

Elson Hirgan, assistant professor from St Agnes College (Autonomous), Fr Maxim Dias SJ, co-ordinator of AICUF, Fr Joyson Vas SJ, co-ordinator for North Karnataka Jesuit youth commission, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar, SAC, and Dr Charles Furtado, Director of administration block, SAC, Sch. Reuell from Darjeeling Province and Sr Marriot, director of ASH were present.

The programme was coordinated by Fr Royston Madtha SJ and Br Bleston, Ms Viola Lewis, students of SAC. 250 students participated in the programme.