Mary – a woman like no other
The Scriptures and the tradition of the Church offer some insight into the most significant moments in the life of the Blessed Virgin. Her life materialized the love between God and man in its perfect form: the incarnation of God as a human being. By looking at the stories of the Immaculate Conception and Annunciation, we see a woman “full of grace” (Luke 1:28) who with unwavering faith and infinite love accepts God’s word in her life. The birth, the childhood, and the so-called hidden life of Jesus of Nazareth demonstrate how humbly the Lord of all creation succumbed to the earthly laws of growth. They also show us the quiet humility of she who became the mother of the Son of God, who gave birth to Him, who bathed Him and fed Him. It is she who taught Him to walk, talk, pray, and love His friends and foes alike. Mary’s presence by the Cross and during the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a symbol of her spiritual motherhood of the entire Church community – that is of each and every one of us. Her Assumption and Coronation induce us to think of the ultimate goal of our life – eternal life in God’s loving embrace.
On the Road with Our Lady
In some key moments of the Spiritual Exercises – especially when we are expected to use our personal freedom – St. Ignatius wants us to keep close to the Mother of God. A great reverence for Mary is also very pronounced in Polish church life, as the entire world could see in St. John Paul II. The spiritual idea of MAGIS 2016 combines the two: an Ignatian journey with Our Lady on the road to true Christianity. Mary’s relationship with God is a beautiful adventure, which can be reflected in every Christian’s life. By meditating on selected moments from her life, young participants of MAGIS 2016 will be able to discover the beauty and the depth of their role within their religious community and of their own personal relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
