7000 people gathered in Marseille for the Ignatian Year.

At the heart of this anniversary year for the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits of the EOF and the whole Ignatian Family met in Marseilles, on All Saints Day, for the great gathering on the theme "In the deep, with Ignatius! For three days, 7000 pilgrims - including nearly 2000 young people - from France, Belgium, Luxembourg and even further afield, experienced unforgettable times of recollection, celebration and festivities. Three days in which everyone was able to see the different faces of the great Ignatian Family. Jesuits and lay people reflect on what they experienced during this strong time of open and joyful Church.

Recognition and wonder: all the participants underline the exceptional quality of the organisation which required audacity, creativity but also professionalism to welcome so many participants and to offer them a rich and varied programme, in the difficult health context. There was also a formula for families and programmes for the 2,000 young people who came with the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), the Jesuit schools and the young adults of the Magis Network.

On Saturday, 500 small groups from 17 locations braved the rain and wandered through the streets of Marseille to discover its treasures and committed actors. In the evening, 14 evening events were offered: round tables on the Church of tomorrow, integral ecology, inter-religious celebration, theatre, concert, testimonies... The highlight of this day was the Rejoice concert-show of the gospel group Dionys' Voice directed by the Jesuit Louis Lorieux.

On Sunday morning, the pilgrims went to meet the Christians of Marseilles: they were welcomed by 30 parishes in the city to celebrate the Eucharist and then share a convivial lunch. The mass celebrated in the church of Saint-Ferréol, entrusted to the Jesuits, was broadcast live on the national television channel France 2. It was presided over by Fr François Boëdec, Provincial of the Jesuits.

In the afternoon, the "Festival of the Ignatian Family" was a great time of exchange and encounter. On the programme: 50 stands, conferences on ecological transition, spiritual life, service of the poorest or pedagogy, workshops on initiatives and projects carried out by congregations, movements and associations of Ignatian spirituality... A round-table discussion particularly attracted attention: "Which hope after the CIASE-report on abuses in the Church?

In the evening, after a festive meal, a great vigil brought together the 7,000 participants. Introduced by a concert of the EYM, the show was one of the highlights of the gathering. It evoked the life of the fiery Ignatius and his inner journey: taming his emotions, he is touched by grace and chooses to follow Christ.   The vigil continued with a common prayer, introduced by the Pope's words to the whole Ignatian Family.

On the last day, the participants began the day with a time of reflection to gather the fruits and to hear the message of Fr Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Jesuits. The All Saints' Mass, broadcast live on the KTO TV channel and RCF radio from the Palais des Congrès, closed this great Church event.

To go further

Photos, videos (of the show and of the Masses in replay) and echoes of the Jesuit reporters, texts of the homilies, meditations and speeches, the video message of Pope Francis and the press articles and broadcasts on the gathering "Au Large avec Ignace".

www.jesuites.com 

www.ignace2021.org