My journey with MAGIS Asia Pacific began in 2019 at the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) MAGIS youth gathering in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2022, I attended the MAGIS JCAP Youth Ministry conference in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where I shared my experience of being formed the Ignatian way as a young person in Taiwan.
Within the MAGIS Asia Pacific family, I have always experienced how we are connected through our shared language of Ignatian spirituality. It allows us to express ourselves freely, spark new ideas through dialogue, be listened to by the Jesuits, and be deeply moved by one another’s stories. All of this helps me encounter God and experience the Church as a people walking together in a synodal way.
This experience of being loved has continually nourished my life. Over time, it has grown into a sense of mission that has led me to say “yes” to God’s invitation. During MAGIS Asia Pacific in Taiwan, I served as camp director and collaborator. It was an important opportunity, because I truly long to share the beauty I have experienced with many more people. From being accompanied, I have become someone able to lead and accompany others, exercising influence through service.
Although the Jesuits and companions who once journeyed with me are now missioned to different ministries, I carry with me their inspiration and love. They are the wellspring from where I draw support, especially during the preparations for the gathering.
Still, when I was discerning whether to respond to this role, I had many questions and doubts: “Can I really be a youth leader?” “What can I offer?” I began carefully sorting through my thoughts and dialoguing with partners at the MAGIS Center, exploring a model of collaboration that would be fitting and helpful. Yet, I still felt a small uneasiness in my heart.
When MAGIS JCAP began, my heart gradually eased—especially after hearing the priest’s homily: “Having a role is not for enjoying a title but for service.” There and then, my struggles about my role and worries about not doing enough slowly disappeared. Returning to the “Principle and Foundation,” everything became clear.
I am grateful for the encouragement of Fr Errol from the Philippines, Fr Tama from Indonesia, and my mission partner Bob. We set out together, rereading our life stories and creating a culture of encounter. Our experience of being loved became the driving force of our mission.
In the past, I travelled abroad to participate in international youth conferences, where I would find ways to introduce Taiwan. But this time, I experienced something different: people came to Taiwan to encounter our culture, MAGIS in Taiwan, and Catholic youth in our country firsthand. We welcomed them to the MAGIS Youth Center office, Manresa House, and other places that are so familiar and meaningful to me. Sharing our stories with them was simply incredible. It was an experience I treasure so much.
On New Year’s Eve, I invited my Taiwanese companions to come to the front and sing “Fall in Love, Stay in Love” with everyone. Suddenly, I thought, “Wow! There are really people standing right in front of me, creating new memories in a place that I know so well.”
Through song, we offered God emotions that words could not express. Crossing language barriers, we experienced real presence and encounter. It was a dream come true.
God also used this opportunity to help me rediscover myself. When my faith entered a period of stagnation and I did not know how to move forward, MAGIS awakened new dreams and desires, guiding me to want to become a better person.
Looking back, I think of the friendships I built with the Jesuits, the sense of belonging through the hospitality and welcome of the local communities, and the space for accompaniment and bridge-building provided by the MAGIS Youth Center. My companions have witnessed my growth over the years. My relationship with them warms my heart, and every desire ignited within me continues to lead me towards growth.
Thank you to everyone who came and shared their authentic presence. I hope to see you all again in 2027 at MAGIS Korea.
