10 Years of Francis: MAGIS
Fr. Ramesh Vanan, SJ, is an Indian Jesuit currently ministering in Guyana. He is today’s subject for our “10 Years of Francis” series.
MAGIS is an Ignatian value that is willfully embraced and embedded within me. It has become an integral part of me and my daily life, which in turn leads me to serve Our Lord and His people in Guyana. Pope Francis’ Papacy has underscored for me an appreciation for, and helped me to weave the essence of, this same MAGIS in a different dimension: keeping things simple, acknowledging that no one is greater than our Creator, not judging, asking for forgiveness, expressing myself in a simple manner, embracing spirituality in the smallest of things, smelling like the sheep, caring for the common good of all, keeping the Church doors open, remembering the poor, embracing the diverseness of people, being present to the reality of the world, and above all being engaged in the needs of the people.
I appreciate that through his faith and action, Pope Francis has inspired me in my ministry. The way the Church in Guyana has engaged itself in wanting to contribute to the growth of the universal Church is a great example. This can be borne out through the message Pope Francis gifts to the faithful all over the world, and specifically in Guyana. Time and time again he underscores the importance of the Church listening to its people and responding in Christ-like ways to their calls. They hear his message, and it has unlocked a strength of faith within them. One elderly participant in a hearing session for the synod said, “please tell Papa (Pope Francis) to eat well and rest well so that he might be healthy enough to continue leading the Church”.
Pope Francis’s gentleness of spirit has touched the simple people who inhabit the remotest parts of the Amazon Basin. As such, the people feel that the church hears and cares for them and their Spiritual growth. I hope and pray on the 10thanniversary of his papacy that God blesses and grants him enough graces to lead our Mother Church into these contemporary times.
10 Years of Francis: Reflections from his Jesuit Brothers
10 Years of Francis: He is my pope too
10 Years of Francis: Compassion and Tenderness
10 Years of Francis: Vocation Inspiration
10 Years of Francis: Inviting us to be adult disciples
10 Years of Francis: “Padre Jorge”
Conversion. Atonement. Forgiveness. Election.
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Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation.
Let us pray for the Pope, so that in the exercise of his mission, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him by Jesus, always with the help of the Holy Spirit.
