Students from St Aloysius Gonzaga visit the Kyaung Daw Pagoda near Inle Lake
A journey becomes meaningful not only because of the places we visit but also because of what we discover about ourselves, others, and God along the way.
Following through the Magis Myanmar youth programme held in the second week of October, with the theme “Journey with God and Self,” the students at St Aloysius Gonzaga in Taunggyi continued their journey of discovering themselves, discerning God’s will, and loving one another through an excursion to Inle Lake on 24 October.
Beyond its beautiful scenery, the excursion became an opportunity to deepen friendships, appreciate local culture, and recognise God’s presence in ordinary experiences. The following day, after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the students gathered for a communal examen and sharing. The Jesuit candidates and students from the boys’ hostel joined the gathering at Hostel 2. Together, they prayerfully revisited their experiences and reflected on the lessons they could carry into their daily lives.
For some students, the excursion offered the courage to step outside their comfort zones. Those who were usually shy about approaching others found opportunities to open up, build friendships, and experience a stronger sense of belonging. Others expressed gratitude for visiting Inle Lake together, recognising that such an experience might have been difficult to enjoy on their own. Their sharing revealed that discovering oneself also happens through relationships, especially when we allow ourselves to connect with others and become part of a community.
The students also discovered something deeper in the beauty of the lake. Seeing the floating farms and learning about the local weaving community helped them appreciate the perseverance of farmers, the skills of local artisans, and the livelihoods sustained by the lake. The experience reminded them that creation is not merely something to admire but a gift to cherish, while the people who depend on it deserve our respect and care.
Their reflections also included moments of fear, particularly among those uncomfortable riding boats or unable to swim. Yet these fears gave way to gratitude when everyone arrived safely. The students sincerely appreciated the organisers, food preparation team, transportation staff, and boatmen, especially those who helped them board and leave the boats safely. Through these gestures, they recognised that behind every memorable experience are people who quietly give their time, effort, and care for others.
This gratitude resonated with the Gospel story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11–19), in which only one returned to thank Jesus. Like the grateful leper, the students were invited to look beyond the experience itself and recognise the people through whom they had received kindness. Gratitude becomes more meaningful when it moves us to extend the same kindness to others.
The examen also invited them to examine their responsibility toward the community, particularly in respecting others’ time and practising punctuality. These reflections were not about blame, but about recognising that even small choices affect others. In a community, love is expressed not only through grand gestures but also through consideration, responsibility, and respect.
As the students return to their studies for the next semester, they are invited to bring these lessons into their classrooms, dormitories, and relationships: to welcome those who feel shy, appreciate the work of others, care for creation, and make room for prayer, and reflection. The Inle Lake excursion may have ended, but the Magis journey continues.
The Examen reminded the students that magis is not simply about doing more but about loving more deeply and responding more generously to the gifts we receive. With grateful hearts, they carry forward the spirit of magis: discovering oneself, discerning God’s will, and loving one another.
