In the heart of Myanmar, where conflict and displacement cast long shadows over daily life, the Thadingyut festival—a time of light and renewal—became the backdrop for something extraordinary. Amidst the darkness of war and division, the Magis Taunggyi 2025 programme held in the third week of October at St Aloysius Gonzaga Institute of Higher Studies, Taunggyi, Shan State emerged as a radiant testament to hope, unity, and transformation.
In addition to the involvement of Jesuits, religious sisters from several congregations also played a vital role in the event. These included the Missionaries of St Paul (MSP), the Institute of Sisters of Reparation (ISR), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), and members of the Brothers of St Peter (BSP), who all actively contributed to the success of this mega event.
Under the leadership of Fr Vincent Doan SJ and the Jesuit Youth Ministry of the Myanmar Jesuit Region, over 170 Magis youth and animators from St Aloysius Gonzaga Institute of Higher Studies, Taunggyi, Campion Institute, Myanmar Leadership Institute, Yangon, and Jesuit mission areas like Taung Ngu and Tanphu gathered under the banner “Journey with Oneself and Others,” which resonated deeply with the theme of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Pilgrims—“Pilgrims of Hope”.
The three-day programme was a vibrant tapestry of spirituality, companionship, and service—the core pillars of Magis. For many participants, hailing from conflict-ridden regions and displaced families, this was more than a retreat; it was a lifeline. Through interactive sessions, the celebration of the Holy Mass, and the practice of the Ignatian Examen, the youth discovered how to “find God in all things”—even in the midst of turmoil.
One of the most cherished moments was the Magis Circle, where young hearts learnt to listen, reflect, and share their experiences. Here, amidst laughter and tears, they realised that their struggles are not isolated but shared. As Augustine Kyaw Kyi poignantly noted, “The Magis Circle taught me that everyone has a unique experience where God touches and lives. I learnt to listen and respect others.”
In a country fractured by ethnic and political strife, the simple act of mingling—singing, dancing, and sharing stories—became a revolutionary act of unity. Pasqualina Pai, who braved a 12-hour journey through military checkpoints, shared,“Meeting youth from every corner of our country gave me a feeling of unity and peace that we long for today.”
The Ignatian Immersions on the final day were a profound encounter with humility and love. Groups visited the Infant Jesus Institute, home to orphans and differently-abled individuals, and the Loilong Buddhist Monastery School, where young monks and orphans reside. The youth rolled up their sleeves—cleaning quarters, washing blankets, splitting firewood—and in doing so, discovered the transformative power of service.
Ignatius Win, initially hesitant, found his fears dispelled by the compassion of the Charity Sisters and the Jesuit candidates. “Seeing how they cared for the marginalised with such love changed me,” he reflected.
The programme culminated in a grace-filled hour of adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation. Eight Jesuits offered open confessional spaces, inviting the youth to experience rebirth and renewal. Teresa Cing captured the spirit of the event: “Jesuit values like Tantum Quantum and Cura Personalis will now be the hallmarks of my life.”
Magis Taunggyi 2025 became a bold declaration that even in the darkest times, light persists. For in the heart of conflict, we proved that the light shines, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Be inspired by watching the video below:
