Magis
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Magis (pronounced "màh-gis") is a Jesuit phrase that means "the more". It is taken from Ad majorem Dei gloriam, a Latin phrase meaning "for the greater glory of God". Magis refers to the philosophy of doing more, for Christ, and therefore for others. It is an expression of an aspiration and inspiration. It relates to forming the ideal society centered around Jesus Christ.
The roots of the phrase are ascribed to St. Ignatius' exercise of doing more for God. He would encourage people around him during his time by asking: "What have I done for God? What am I doing for God? and What MORE can I do for God?"
[edit] Early Magis programs
Magis also refers to a service organization at Loyola Marymount University. Founded in 2003 by two Loyola Marymount Freshman, Brian Geremia and Patrick Furlong. Magis now comprises around 30 members of the LMU community annually, the members of Magis strive to perform community service with an emphasis on education to the greater Los Angeles community. Magis is guided by thee pillars: Service, Diversity, and Spirituality. More information about the organization and its mission can be found at their website. [1]
Magis also shares its name with the 'Magis Experience' at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. The 'Magis Experience' is a year-long program designed for first year students seeking to expand their learning and development beyond the classroom. Magis students are interested in living with other goal-oriented students who want to get "more" out of their time at Regis. The experience begins with living together and becomes much more as members reflect, learn, and serve others in the quest to grow academically and personally. This enhanced residence hall experience focuses on building community, while also developing life-long friendships and creating future opportunities on campus. The core values of Magis are community involvement, building relationships, service to others, academic excellence, appreciation for diversity, leadership, reflection and spirituality. For up to the minute news on the 'Magis Experience' search out Magis at Regis on Facebook.com
[edit] MAGiS at World Youth Day
Magis as a program is now a pre-World Youth Day program of Ignatian spirituality. Participants go on 'experiments' and have transformative experiences in the lead up to the devotional experiences of World Youth Day. In 2008, World Youth Day is being held in Sydney, Australia, and the MAGiS program is called "MAGiS08". The provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia has extended the program in Australia for the next three years.