NEWS

“MAG+S has guided me from a life of darkness to a life of light”.

As a participant in the batch 9th in MAG+S Timor-Leste community this year. Initially, my motivation for joining MAG+S was simple: I wanted to share my experiences and learn from others. I had a limited understanding of this community and no specific goals for completing the program. I simply went with the flow. However, as I delved deeper into the lessons learn, I began to feel a profound spiritual awakening. The meaning of the word “magis” became clear to me, inspiring me to strive for greater holiness. Curiosity propelled me to explore all aspects of the program, and I felt a growing sense of responsibility to share this knowledge with others.

During my journey, I grappled with many existential questions, particularly concerning the purpose of material possessions. I realized that my constant desire for more was never truly satisfying. Before my involvement in MAG+S community, I was a rebellious young person and struggling with family problems. I turned away from God and embraced a life of darkness through ritual art. A significant turning point came when I fell ill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated and afraid, I turned to prayer and experienced a miraculous healing. However, I continued to struggle with old habits until I finally made a conscious decision to let go of the past specially the ritual art. With the help of fasting and prayer, I was able to overcome these challenges.

Through MAG+S, I learned to replace feelings of hatred with compassion. I discovered how to communicate with God through prayer and meditation, and I learned to avoid judging others. The MAG+S community provided a safe space for sharing personal experiences and fostering a deeper connection with God. This community has helped me to see the presence of God in all things. It has sharpened my conscience, reminding me to always choose the path of righteousness as this has been one of the most challenging aspects of my journey, but the process of examining my conscience has been invaluable. My prayer life has undergone a significant transformation. I’ve moved from making self-centered requests to surrendering my will to God’s. My decision-making process has also evolved, as I’ve become more mindful of the impact of my choices on others.

Ignatian spirituality has played a crucial role in my growth. It has enabled me to appreciate God’s work in my life and to express gratitude for all my blessings. I’ve learned to find grace in every moment, whether joyful or painful. MAG+S has also provided me with a spiritual support network, where I feel loved and accepted unconditionally. Through service to others, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of true happiness. I’ve come to realize that God often uses challenges and difficulties to prepare us for greater things and to enable us to help others.

Looking back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative life with MAG+S Community. I am committed to sharing this gift with others and continuing to grow in my faith. [Maionito-MAG+S participant]