Magis 2023, with the theme of “creating a hope-filled future” , was launched on July 22nd and ended on July 31st. Magis is the pre-WYD event, that brought together about two thousand young people from approximately 80 countries to Portugal. The event was divided in 3 main parts: the opening days that took place in Lisbon (July 22-24), then participants were split into around 80 smaller communities which were engaged in different experiments (July 24-29) and the final event that gathered all the participants once again (July 29-31) right before the start of the World Youth Days (August 1-6). 

Welcome Pilgrims!

The Magis participants were welcomed by an eucharist presided by the Portuguese Provincial Miguel Almeida S.J.. The highlight of the day was the message sent by Pope Francis to the pilgrims. He challenged them to "truly become what they are: a future full of hope". To accomplish this, young people "need to be, not superheroes, but sincere, true, free people; people who carry within them a future full of hope"

Franck Janin S.J., the president of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, presided the eucharist on the second day, which had as a highlight the concert of Jesuitas Acustico.

Experiments

The pilgrims left Vila Magis and headed for the experiences, where they remained until July 29th. There were about 80 experiences which took place in all the dioceses of the country and also in Spain. They focused on five areas of activity: faith and spirituality, ecology and the environment, pilgrimage and the journey, art and culture, solidarity and service.

A MAGIS experience is an Ignatian proposal that runs for six days for a group of 20 to 25 young adults of at least three different nationalities and, in this case, it was designed to prepare for World Youth Day. The experience aims to involve pilgrims in a simple way in various concrete moments, from prayer to action, and they are invited to learn more about themselves and the world in which they live, in order to discover a deeper and fuller meaning in their lives.

Sent to the World Youth Days

The pilgrims gathered once again in Lisbon for the final days of Magis.

On July 30th, the highlight was the Festival of Nations. Most of the represented countries prepared a performance with typical national dances and music.

Magis 2023 ended on the day of Saint Ignatius. Father General had a key role on this day. He made an interactive presentation about identity of the youth as Catholics and builders of a hope-filled future. Then, he presided the final mass. This was the last step of the pilgrims on their way to the World Youth Days.