Magis Immersion and Justice Program

Campus Ministry's International Immersion and Faith Experience

Mission Statement

March 6-13, 2010: El Salvador
May 24-30, 2010: Dominican Republic

IHSMagis, the Ignatian ideal of more, asks people to “go deeper” and pay more intimate attention to their feelings, their experiences, their significant relationships with others and with God.  The Magis Immersion and Justice Program puts this ideal into practice through developing relationships with our partners in developing countries. By joining Magis students agree to advocate, fundraise and pray for and with our partner communities. The Magis Program also offers the opportunity to travel to our partner sites in El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and East Africa; encountering the people where they are, learning about global social justice issues by accompanying others, and reflecting on our experiences in the light of faith. These are not service trips, but rather focused on building relationships, solidarity with the poor, growing in faith and awareness of social justice issues, and reflection. Participation in Magis is open to all Georgetown University undergraduate students (and on a space-available basis for graduate students). 

SantaMonicaMural
Youth mural in Santa Monica, San Vicente, El Salvador

For our trip to El Salvador, we partner with the SHARE Foundation.  SHARE has extensive experience with these types of trips and makes all our arrangements for us.  Prayer and reflection on this trip are in the Christian tradition.  All are welcome.

For our trip to the Dominican Republic, we partner with International Partners in Mission who make all of our arrangements.  Prayer and reflection on this trip comes from diverse religious traditions.  Interfaith conversation is part of this experience and we will interact with groups from various religious backgrounds.

Click to view photos and trip reports from Past Magis Trips.

Dar es Salaam

Magis participants visit community members in a Dar es Salaam slum.


                      
Our sister organization in                        Our sister organization in
El Salvador                                           Tanzania

"A Christian university must take into account the Gospel preference for the poor. This does not mean that only the poor study at the university; it does not mean that the university should abdicate its mission of academic excellence – excellence needed in order to solve complex social problems. It does mean that the university should be present intellectually where it is needed: to provide science for those who have no science; to provide skills for the unskilled; to be a voice for those who do not possess the academic qualifications to promote and legitimate their rights."
-Ignacio Ellacuria, SJ , professor, rector and martyr from the Universidad Centroamericana "José Simeón Cañas" (UCA)

For more information about the Magis program, contact Program Director Catherine Heinhold. 

Things to Know

Application and Info

Download the Magis Program Application

Please note, this is an extensive application requiring you to gather several materials (including signatures from parents).  We recommend you start working on it early!

Magis FAQ

__________________________________________

El Salvador Trip Important Dates

Trip Dates:  March 6-13, 2010
Total fundraising per person: $1600

Application due:  October 30, 2009 with $100 deposit

We will fly together from Reagan Washington National Airport to Aeropuerto Internacional Comalapa, San Salvador.
______________________________________________

A "sample" day in El Salvador
Click here for a full trip description.

7:30am Breakfast at the guesthouse
8:00am Morning Prayer
8:15am Depart for morning activities
9:00am Visit Maria Madre de los Pobres parish in La Chacra slum and see health clinics, school, and social service programs
10:30 Guided walk through La Chacra with visits to families
12:00pm Lunch & conversation with Maria Madre staff
1:30pm Leave for the Central American University (UCA)
2:00pm Meeting with a theologian at the UCA
3:30pm Tour the museum and rose garden commemorating the 6 Jesuit priests and 2 women who were martyred at the UCA in 1989
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Group reflection
8:30 Free time

______________________________________

Dominican Republic Trip Important Dates

Tentative Trip Dates: May 24-30, 2010
Total fundraising per person: $1600

Application due: November 30 with $100 deposit

Click here for a full trip description.

                                                                   

To do now:

  • Get a passport, or renew yours if it will expire in the next year. Click here for information.
  • Begin thinking about fundraising. Possible sources of funds: extended family members, your home parish, businesses at home.
  • Check with your health-insurance provider about coverage overseas.  Check the CDC website for information about recommended immunizations.
  • Check to see if you need a visa to enter El Salvador or the Dominican Republic (U.S. Citizens do not need a visa as long as they purchase a $10 tourist card at the airport, which is included in your fee). Citizens of other countries may need a visa. Click here to see what your El Salvador visa requirements are, and here for the Dominican Republic.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    _________________________________