MAGIS

We are excited to share some of the Handmaids’ summer travel plans with you…

Sr. Jessica Kerber and Sr. Michelle Cimaroli of the Handmaid USA Province will be traveling to Poland in mid-July to be a part of MAGIS, a Jesuit initiative, which congregates young people of ages 18-30 from all over the world who are interested in Ignatian spirituality. The central focus of the program is Jesus Christ and the purpose of the entire event is to help you meet Him, experience His unconditional love and discover His presence in your everyday life. MAGIS offers an opportunity to share a unique experience at three distinct levels: individual growth, relationships with God and others, and intercultural dialogue. As a participant of MAGIS, youth will experience true community with friends in faith who will be congregating from all over the world.

There are various locations throughout Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania that these Sisters will be assigned to accomplish various Ignation experiments. The Handmaids will be leading four of the small group experiments. Sr. Michelle and Sr. Jessica will be leading an experiment titled “Reparation Laboratory: A Response of Love to a Heart of Mercy” in Czechowice-Dziedzice (near Czestochowa). Four Portuguese Handmaids and two of our lay friends will be leading three other experiments throughout Poland. During this week, the Handmaids will be visiting Auschwitz one day as well.

The final MAGIS festivities will be held in Częstochowa at the end of July. In Częstochowa, the Sisters, will be reunited with the entire international community of MAGIS. The finale will be a time to reflect upon the Ignatian Experiments, celebrate their fruits, and entrust them to Our Lady. One of the evenings will be devoted to a special Festival of Nations, featuring presentations of the culture, language, and talents of each nationality taking part in MAGIS.

MAGIS experience leads directly into World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held in Krakow, Poland from July 25-31st. World Youth Day (WYD) is an event for young people organized every three years by the Catholic Church. The Handmaids will be involved in several adventures at WYD such as leading a vocation booth where people can come explore their charism and congregation as well as leading two hours of adoration at the “Magis Café,” about discerning one’s vocation. They are also looking forward to a special visit from Pope Francis!

Please stay tuned for personal photos and more details of the Handmaids’ unique experience at MAGIS and WYD upcoming events this month!

To learn more about vocation please click here. We would be happy to connect with you and answer any questions you may have.