10 Years of MAG+S Timor-Leste
Ten years ago, we came with many questions. Today, we stand bearing a story of God’s faithfulness!
Youth is often a turbulent time, filled with identity crises and uncertainties about the future. Amidst the noise of the world, our Magis spiritual community emerged. Here, we found more than just friends to hang out with; we found a family on the same frequency in seeking God. Spending our youth in the Magis community wasn’t just about monthly meetings, but about learning to see God’s handprint in every season of our lives. In Magis, we learned that faith doesn’t mean getting instant answers, but rather taking small, consistent steps alongside fellow believers. From laughter shared on the ground to tears shed in every prayer and rainstorm… every moment was specially shaped by the Lord.
Photo: Jessica is second from the right, next to Amori (wearing glasses), in their MAG+S Circle in 2018. (MAG+S Circle is the session sharing for MAG+S-TL.
The theme of the Magis 10th year anniversary, is “Friends in the Lord,” inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola and his first companions who founded the Society of Jesus through joys and hardships. Looking back over the last decade, I realize how fortunate I am to have found this community in my youth. These were not just ordinary friends; they were “spiritual alarms” that kept me awake and alert. I am grateful for the prayers whispered by my BEST (Belun Espiritual) during my most fragile moments. I am grateful for the sharp yet honest words that saved me from the wrong paths. I am grateful for the shared growth that hasn’t just aged us in years, but deepened our character. They are friends in God who bear witness to how He has molded me.
Celebrating ten years of existence isn’t just about a party; it is a celebration of God’s love and His faithfulness to each of us and to the Magis community. It is a time to remember those who never gave up on this community, honoring their commitment and devotion. The 10th anniversary celebration of Mag+s Timor-Leste is filled with activities that recall the “YES” we each gave at the end of our respective formation years. The year-long program from February to November 2026 includes: Talk&Share, Community Service, Immersion, Quizzes, Concerts, Sports Games, Retreats, and most beautifully, the launch of a new Magis formation branch in Railaco.
Photo: Jessica (in a brown T-shirt), facing the participants of the Training of Trainers program for MAG+Sers, shares information about the 10th anniversary celebration of MAG+S Timor-Leste with participants who will become program facilitators in 2026.
To be “men and women with and for others” is the vision of the Magis community, integrated into the Ignatian spiritual formation for its members (Magisers) and for young people who wish to grow together. In this globalized and modern era, many youths still doubt their purpose and struggle to discern their direction. Magis’ goal for the future is to create a community where every young person feels they have found God and found love—not just growing in the Church, but growing in Christ. Magis continues to be a home, a place of transformation where youth can discover God in all things, love themselves, and love God.
Thank you, Magis, for being a community and a home where my faith could grow, a place where I could fall and be awakened again, and a place where my youth was not spent in vain but remained deeply rooted in God’s love. Let us continue to walk together toward the finish line, in order to love and serve the Lord.
ONE DECADE. ONE FAITHFULNESS. ONE GOD. Happy 10th Anniversary!
Written by: Jessica Kawengian, MAG+S Timor-Leste (First batch)