More than 100 young people from across Myanmar gathered at the Salesian Community Center of Don Bosco in Yangon on Sept. 26 and 27 for two days of spiritual renewal, mental resilience, and Christian leadership.
Participants came from various congregational hostels, the Campion Institute, Myanmar Leadership Institute, Thingangyun Township, and as far as the Diocese of Taungoo, 270 kilometers north of Yangon.
Three Jesuit priests and four Jesuit scholastics accompanied the gathering, which followed months of planning and coordination.
Unpacking the Ignatian Magis
At the center of the two-day gathering was the Ignatian concept of the Magis, Latin for “more” or “greater,” introduced by Fr. Justin, SJ.
Fr. Justin said the Magis is not an invitation to spiritual perfectionism, exhausting productivity or self-serving competition.
“Rather, it is a call to do ordinary things with greater depth, intentionality, and love for the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam) and the service of others.”
Grounded in 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” — participants were invited to look beyond bare minimums and align their daily choices with God’s purpose.
Formed in Mind, Heart and Digital Frontier
The weekend program integrated spiritual formation, psychological health, social responsibility and the realities of the modern world.
In “Hard & Holy Work for Flourishing,” Sr. Elizabeth Joseph, RGS, linked neuroscience and Scripture, explaining how practices such as gratitude, reframing negative thoughts and healthy rest can help build resilience and inner peace.
Through “Mission and Unity,” Sr. Lourise Marie Aye, SPS, reminded participants that mission is not a temporary event but a lifelong way of living in Christ. She encouraged young people to build bridges, practice humble leadership and serve their local communities.
In “Discernment of Spirits,” Fr. Peter Nguyen Huy Quy, SJ, introduced practical tools for navigating inner movements of peace and consolation, as well as desolation and anxiety, guiding participants toward choices rooted in spiritual freedom.
Sr. Cecilia, FMA, discussed Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit, reminding participants that young people are not merely the “future” of the Church but part of its living present.
Fr. Thang Ha, SJ, addressed social media and modern technology. Drawing inspiration from St. Carlo Acutis, he urged young people to use digital tools responsibly as instruments of “co-intelligence” for truth, hope and digital evangelization.
Fr. John Thomas Kyaw Thu Win, SJ, discussed servant leadership, emphasizing empathy, accountability and effective communication as qualities needed to serve local communities.
Sacramental Depth and Fellowship
The program also included personal reflection, the daily Ignatian Examination of Conscience, or Examen, interactive quizzes and action songs.
It culminated in eucharistic adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and a closing Mass.
These moments gave participants time for prayer, reflection and the opportunity to surrender personal burdens.
The Yangon Magis Youth Program also emphasized the importance of providing young people with safe spaces, grounded guidance and meaningful responsibility.
The gathering encouraged Myanmar youth to take active roles in their communities and become ambassadors of hope and peace.
