Magis is a pastoral experience of Ignatian programs and events in the days leading up to World Youth Day for pilgrims from Jesuit institutions. The motto for this year’s Magis comes from the 35th General Congregtion of the Jesuits and is “the nations await us.” The dates for Magis are July 12-22 2013, and will be held in locations across Brazil, with locations across Brazil, beginning in Salvador da Bahia.

Organized by the Society of Jesus and other institutions, the Magis initiative gets its name from the Jesuit phrase meaning “the more.” The roots of the phrase come from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, who encouraged those who follow Christ to examine their ability to do more for him and, in turn, for others. It is an expression of an aspiration and inspiration of Ignatius and is a tenet of Ignatian Spirituality.

2013’s Magis initiative will particularly resonate with Jesuits in the US, their partners, and those with an interest in the Society of Jesus in the Americas because it is taking place where the Society first gained a foothold in the new world, and where so much of the inspiring missionary work took place in the Jesuit reductions of South America, made popular in the film The Mission.

The Magis initiative was started in 1997 before the World Youth Day held in Paris, France. In 2005, in Cologne, Germany it was called Magis for the first time. In 2008, Magis was celebrated in Sydney, Australia and in 2011 it was celebrated in Madrid.

To learn more about Magis 2013, visit http://www.magis2013.com/jst/principal/lo11.php?pag=;magis;paginas;index