Bangalore Archdiocese

Media Release

Gulbarga, Oct 15, 2024 : The Karnataka Jesuit Youth Ministry in association with North Karnataka Youth Works organized the second Mag+s programme in Gulbarga, following the fruitful one in Mundgod last year. Mag+s Kalaburagi 2024 took place from October 10th to 12th at St. Xavier’s Campus, Kalaburagi. Around 250 pilgrims from North Karnataka joined this beautiful Jesuit youth gathering with the theme "Creating a hope-filled future." Mag+s which was started in France in 1997, reached Kalaburagi and impacted many youths with five pillars and Five Fillers.

The first day began with a grand cultural procession, welcoming esteemed guests Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ - the Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province, Most Rev Dr Robert Miranda - the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese, Rev. Fr Francis Menezes SJ - Bijapur mission superior, Rev Fr Joel Fernandes SJ - Karnataka Jesuit youth director, Fr Maxim Misquith SJ – the superior of superior of Gulbarga mission, Fr Joyson Vas SJ, the North Karnataka youth director, Fr John Thomas SJ - Principal of St.Xaviers PU college along with Jesuits and diocesan priests. Bishop Robert Miranda inaugurated the Magis home, which showcased Jesuit ministries and institutions. Rev. Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, the Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province, officially inaugurated Kalaburagi Mag+s 2024. The volunteers and animators added excitement with a beautiful flashmob. The day continued with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr Dionysius Vas SJ and with his challenging keynote address. He challenged everyone to become beacons of hope in the chaotic world. The evening featured a cultural showcase, highlighting the rich culture of North Karnataka. After dinner, the pilgrims gathered in groups for a Magis circle, sharing their spiritual experiences. The day concluded with the examen prayer led by Br. Sohan Fernandes SJ.

The second day of Magis began with a guided meditation session. This helped the pilgrims focus on the positive aspects of their surroundings. Following this, Bishop of Gulbarga diocese, Most.Rev. Dr Robert Miranda celebrated the holy mass.

Geetha Sajjanshetty and Shan Michael, a lawyer and youth icon respectively, shared their testimonies of growth and hard work. Their testimonies encouraged the participants to overcome challenges and strive for greatness. Fr. Vincent Pereira and his team led the pilgrims in praise and worship and penitential service. The pilgrims were blessed and prayed for by all the priests present.

The immersion which is the outreach programme was introduced to the pilgrims by Fr Vincent and provided guidelines for the participants. All pilgrims returned with rich experiences and came to know the outer reality from their comfort zones.

Upon returning, the pilgrims shared their immersion experiences in their groups. A Taize prayer service followed, providing a spiritual experience for the young pilgrims led by Fr. Joyson Vas SJ. The day concluded with a campfire, featuring action songs and fun activities. The examen helped the participants reflect on their spiritual journey throughout the day.

Final day began with a contemplation prayer method, followed by the nature mass celebrated by Fr John Thomas SJ. Nature helped the pilgrims to connect with mother nature and protect God’s creation. This was followed by the Group photograph.
Mr. Niel Santhosh, a young entrepreneur and Mr. Dattu Agarwal, a born blind who runs a blind school shared their testimonies of growth and success. This testimony inspired the pilgrims to work hard and to never give up.
Fr Maxim Misquith shared about the Mission of Bijapur and Gulbarga and welcomed everyone to collaborate with the Jesuits.
A beautiful prayer for the deceased was led by Fr Joel Fernandes SJ and pilgrims geared up to live their life positively.
This was followed by the last magis circle where pilgrims shared their spiritual experiences and inputs of the Magis 2024.

Rev. Fr Joyson Vas SJ and team conducted the valedictory ceremony of Mag+s 2024 by thanking all the pilgrims and felicitating the animators and volunteers for their cooperation and service. Fr Joyson Vas SJ extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the Jesuit Priests of St. Xavier Campus and Rev Fr Joel Fernandes SJ, Youth director of Karnataka Jesuit Province for their constant support. Rev Fr Joel Fernandes SJ felicitated Rev Fr Joyson Vas SJ for organising a fruitful and successful North Karnataka Mag+s 2024 at Kalaburagi.

The Three-days Jesuit youth gathering was the epitome of creativity which lifted the province apostolic references and concluded with the grand success in creating a spiritual impact on the young minds.