I still remember the first time I stepped into a MAG+S-TL gathering. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was drawn in by the warmth of the community, the laughter, and the shared spirit of faith. Over time, this place became more than just a group I attended—it became a home.
February 17th marks a significant day for the MAG+S-TL community—the anniversary of its founding. This year, as we celebrate nine years of existence, I find myself reflecting on how this community has shaped more than 300 Timorese young lives, including my own. We gathered in gratitude, starting with a communal Mass full of prayers of thanksgiving. Afterward, we sat together, sharing experiences and memories, and ended the celebration with a meal that felt like a true family gathering. The bond we share is something special, something that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
Looking back on the years of MAG+S-TL, I see a path filled with learning, challenges, and spiritual growth. The community has offered young people like me the opportunity to strengthen our faith through Ignatian spirituality. From this community, young people are helped to open themselves so that God can transform them. In this way, they are able to love God even more deeply and follow Him more closely. Through retreats, reflections, and shared experiences, I have come to understand God in a more personal way—not just as a distant figure but as a presence woven into the smallest details of my daily life. I have witnessed how this community has equipped us not only with spiritual knowledge but also with the capacity to grow intellectually. However, the most profound impact has been the way it has transformed hearts, deepening our love for God and our desire to walk in His path.
Being part of MAG+S has changed my perspective on faith. Prayer has shifted from something I used to do only for myself to an act of intercession for others. Service, once a mere concept, has become an essential part of my life. This year, our theme, “En todo amar y server” (In everything, to love and to serve), resonates deeply with me. It is a call to action—a reminder that love and service should not be reserved for grand gestures but should be present in the smallest, everyday moments. Whether through acts of kindness, dedication to studies, commitment to work, or engagement in the community, I have learned that true faith is not just about personal devotion but about selfless action that brings light and hope to others.
Despite the growth and achievements of MAG+S, I know that every member, including myself, faces spiritual challenges in daily life. That is why the community continues to provide support through programs such as the Basic Theology Course offered by ISJB, which introduces us to theological topics such as Introduction to Pastoral Theology, Faith and Revelation, the Holy Trinity, Christology, Mariology, and other subjects. Additionally, MAG+S collaborates with other institutions, including Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), which provides English courses and valuable educational opportunities. These resources help us expand our knowledge and skills, allowing us to serve more effectively.
Through its formation programs and activities, MAG+S has not only guided me but has also inspired countless young people to live a life rooted in faith and service. As I look ahead, I see a community that continues to grow, with amazing goals to support its members further. With our 10th anniversary on the horizon, I am excited to see how we will celebrate this milestone and continue to strengthen our mission.
I carry many hopes for this community. I pray that it continues to be a guiding light for young people, helping them embrace Ignatian spirituality, deepen their faith, and, most importantly, embody the spirit of “En todo amar y server”—to love and serve in all things. And as for me, I am grateful for this life, for the lessons I have learned, and for the people who have walked alongside me in faith. Leader of Timor-Leste.
By: Ivánio Schmidt Santos Ximenes II Leader of MAG+S Timor-Leste