Two Magis routes were offered to the 360 young Ignatian pilgrims led by the EOF Province to experience World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon: the International Magis Route from 21 July to 7 August and the Expresso Route from 29 July to 7 August. Jesuits also took part in diocesan routes and others accompanied an MEJ camp. Here's a look back at a fortnight that was invigorating, prayerful and joyful.

The International Magis Route

“Ten days before the start of WYD, 200 young people and their Ignatian guides left Toulouse for Lisbon. But why such a rush? Before the big meeting with the Pope, we took part in MAGIS 2023 Portugal, the international meeting of Ignatian youth. In his warm welcome, the Provincial of the Portuguese Jesuits emphasised how the presence of young people from all over the world, including some from countries at war, was a sign of the "future full of hope" that we want to build together.

During various « experiments », we immersed ourselves in small international communities to find God in all things. We experienced some very powerful moments around Portuguese or Spanish culture, through African dances or on a surfboard, during a pilgrimage or living in an eco-location... Being able to talk about our own experience of God in depth with young people from the other side of the world was transforming and a source of strong and unlikely friendships in the Lord.

So we entered the WYD already full of inner motions and stories to tell! The hills of Lisbon were filled with young people celebrating everywhere, marvelling at the beauty and charm of the city on the banks of the Tagus. Pope Francis' words to each of us and to the Church were deeply moving. But he also touched us with his invitation to silence, to let God look at us with love, to not be afraid, to be a Church with open doors... for everyone!

We went home with memories that will last a lifetime. I remember the silence of more than a million people in adoration after a magnificent sunset, and the beautiful and original Way of the Cross which, with Christ, helped us to deal with the problems facing young people today.

We return home knowing that we are loved, welcomed and met, like Mary and Elizabeth, ready and willing to bring this Good News to the world, wherever we are.”

Sr Teresa RAMOS, sister of The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (aci), responsible for the International Magis Route

The fast option: the Expresso Route

"We took 160 people to WYD with the ambition of creating an atmosphere of depth by spending two days in Loyola before Lisbon.

The gamble paid off. Loyola allowed us to get to know each other and to marvel at the diversity of our origins, our backgrounds and our questions. Our attachment to Christ united us, and we shared serious questions about the place of women, the diversity of believers, the wounds of certain young people who are not well received here or there in the Church... What a wealth of reflection and what challenges to honour!

Daily life was punctuated by teamwork and sharing, while discovering the life of Ignatius by visiting the house where he was born. Workshops allowed us to reflect on our emotional life, discernment, time management and questions of faith. We also suggested drawing, looking at works of art, dancing and improvisation. Young people are not lacking in creativity: the St Ignatius vigil was a festival of humour and depth based on the Pilgrim's Journey.

Afterwards, we went to the WYD in Lisbon, aware of our expectations and free to choose the activities we wanted to do. It was a happy time, despite the dense and sometimes oppressive crowds. The welcome we received in Palmela from the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus won our hearts and gave our bodies a good rest. Many thanks to them."

Benoît de MAINTENANT sj (Paris - Saint-Louis de Gonzague)