Fairfield University students in Brazil for Magis 2013 and World Youth Day | Press Releases

Image: Students in Brazil in 2013 Twelve Fairfield University students and two staff members are in Brazil this month, participating in Magis 2013 and World Youth Day.

The trip, one of several sponsored by Fairfield University's Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Campus Ministry Center, embodies Fairfield University's commitment to the service of faith and the promotion of justice. This year's XXVIII World Youth Day is being held from July 23 through 28, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is an international celebration that will provide 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 previous World Youth Day was held in August 2011, in Madrid, Spain. Students also took part in Magis 2013, organized by the Society of Jesus and other institutions, which began on July 12, 2013, with opening ceremonies in Salvador da Bahia, and continued through July 22, 2013, at locations across Brazil. The Magis initiative is a pastoral experience of Ignatian programs and events that leads up to World Youth Day.