Twelve Fairfield University students and two staff members are participating in Magis 2013 and XXVIII World Youth Day, both taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The trip was sponsored by the university’s Campus Ministry and reflects Fairfield’s mission of service of faith and the promotion of justice. XXVIII World Youth Day takes place from July 23 to 28 and is an international celebration with an opportunity for young people to meet with Pope Francis.

“I think this year’s World Youth Day provides a real opportunity for not only our students but for all young people gathered in faith in Brazil,” said George Collins, S.J., Director of Campus Ministry. “Being surrounded by peers who are serious about exploring their faith, having an opportunity to gather in prayer and at Eucharist, doing service work and then reflecting on that experience in the company of so many different people are all just incredible gifts.

“I hope that our students will be inspired not only by the charismatic and energetic Pope Francis but also by the young Catholic leaders who surround them. My prayer is that they see and hear the invitation of the Lord to further embrace their faith and go forth as leaders eager to set the world on fire with God’s love.”

World Youth Day is held in dioceses throughout the world every two to three years. It has its origin with Pope John Paul II hosting a large international youth meeting on the occasion of the Holy Year of Redemption in 1984, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The Magis initiative is a pastoral experience of Ignatian programs and events that leads up to World Youth Day.

The previous World Youth Day was held in August 2011, in Madrid, Spain.

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