Report By:Ryan Lobo

Bangalore:The most awaited MAGIS 2013, the integral formation program for the Catholic youth kicked off with a bang on the 1st November on the campus of St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School in the garden city, Bangalore.

MAGIS in Latin means “To do more”. Rejoicing, Reaching Out, Rebuilding” and Reflection and Action are the four major goals of this event. The young and energetic participants began pouring in at Ashirvad – A Jesuit Inter Religious Dialogue Centre(Near St Mark’s Road, Bangalore) from various parts of the country with a fire burning in them to make a difference, through their lives.

About 500 of them registered for this event. The mass, celebrated by Fr. Prashanth Madtha, the author of popular Kannada Dictionary – PADA NIDHI and with many other concelebrants.  The colourful inauguration with flags, balloons and dances, brightened the atmosphere around. Fr Hedwig da Costa and Fr.Clifford Sequeira, The Principal of St Joseph’s Boy’s High School, Bangalore, were the chief guests.

They hoisted the flag and handed over the MAGIS Symbol to the delegates from various Colleges. Fr. Brain Pereira, SJ – the coordinator, instructed the youth about MAGIS and world youth day, the importance of the event and motivated them to participate whole heartedly. The creative bamboo dance from youth stole the hearts of all. The ice- breaking made the youth feel at home. The participants were divided into 16 groups. They will now have their exposure (living and working in various remote villages of north Karnataka). The day concluded with a mood of silence.