Jamaica Magis allows Boston College students to live and serve in solidarity with people in Jamaica who have faced social, political, and economic oppression. Students gain a deeper understanding of social justice and spirituality by learning to recognize the face of God in all things.
What We Do
Be in solidarity with people who have been socially, politically, and economically marginalized.
Learn aspects of Jamaican culture through a series of readings, discussions, speakers, and community projects.
Share individual skills, resources, and gifts for the purpose of creating a more just society and world.
Nurture and challenge faith lives through worship and daily encounters with Jamaicans in an ecumenical setting.
What does Magis mean?
St. Ignatius coined the term when he started "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" or "for the Glory of God." Magis in the vision of St. Ignatius was meant to mean the "more." It is meant to make us question where do we find more in our lives? Is there Magis in our relationships? Our faith and spiritual life? Is there Magis in our love and affection? We named our trip Magis because through the good works of service we remember to fuel our more.
Equipped with a semester of education about Jamaican culture, history, and current events, Jamaica Magis students arrive in Kingston with a deeper understanding of the people and the context in which they live. During their time in Jamaica, students will gain a deeper understanding of social justice and spirituality by learning to recognize the face of God in all things: in the hug of a child they serve at an impoverished primary school, in the smile of an elderly woman whose memory is failing, in the strength of the community, and in themselves. Jamaica Magis strives to build a community of students who truly embody Boston College’s call to become men and women for others.
Students who participate on the Jamaica Magis Service Trip serve the Kingston communities primarily as teaching aides at Holy Family Primary School and Holy Trinity High School. In addition to teaching, students serve as aides alongside the Missionaries of the Poor and within several Mustard Seed communities. With spirits dedicated to living in solidarity and excited to embrace the Jamaican culture, the Boston College students who participate are introduced to several sides of Jamaican society to visualize the diversity the nation offers.
The application for Jamaica Magis' Winter trip is now open!
Thank you for considering a donation to Jamaica Magis. Your tax-deductible donation is a valuable investment in a learning experience that many Boston College students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Donate Online
- Visit the Online Giving Form
- Enter your information; for the field "I wish to make my gift to:” select Jamaica Magis. If you are sponsoring a certain student, please select "In honor of a BC student," and include their name and year.
- Click "Submit Gift"
Mail a Check
Jamaica Magis
Boston College, Office of Campus Ministry
McElroy Commons 233
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
If your corporation matches donations, please enclose the appropriate forms.
Jamaica Magis, under the umbrella of the Trustees of Boston College, is a non-profit 501(c)3 with a federal tax exemption number of 04-2103545.
For more information, visit the Montserrat Office at 36 College Rd, Chesnut Hill, MA 02467 or email bostoncollegejamaicamagis@gmail.com.
The Magis Civil Rights Immersion Trip is a six-day tour through the South with stops at major sites related to the civil rights movement. The trip coincides with BC’s spring break, and encourages students to gain a deeper understanding of historic events, and of their own place within the continued battle for racial equality in the United States.
