The summer MAGIS 2023 brought young adults together from 5 till 11 July for three different experiments: art and spirituality, socio-cultural and bicycle pilgrimage. Each of them was accompanied by the Jesuits Fr. Algimantas Gudaitis, Fr. Aldonas Gudaitis and Fr. Mindaugas Malinauskas and their daily spiritual impulses dedicated to the topic of hope „Creating a hope-filled future“.

In the opening event the participants gathered in Kaunas for the creative writing workshop under the guidance of Viktorija Urbonaitė, journalist, writer, and TV presenter, and expanded their knowledge on sustainability with Lukas Ambraziejus, Master student for Sustainable Development at the Utrecht University.

Every participant found his/her own way to strive for hope. In the socio-cultural experiment, the young people volunteered in the nursing home and the Jesuits library „Lojoteka“. They also deepened their cultural knowledge of Vilnius, listening to a piano concert and letting themselves hear not only the beauty of instrumental pieces, but also the desires of the heart.

The cycling team experienced the challenges on the road and admired the beauty of Lithuania on a journey of more than 300 km.

The participants of the art and spirituality experiment were challenged to get to know themselves, their friends and God through various art and creative activities.

After the experiments in different locations, all participants met again in Kaunas for a bright and joyful closing evening. It was enriched by a festive dinner on the Jesuit terrace, among the Kaunas towers, and a great entertainment – a live karaoke with a band for participants!

On the final day, 11 July, the group gathered after a week full of impressions for the closing Mass in the church of St. Francis Xavier. Some of them felt stronger in their faith journey, some were inspired to „search for more“ in their lives, others found fellowship and the joy of communion.

If you feel that a week like this can enrich your open heart, save the date: beginning of July 2024. Let’s meet for new discoveries and renewed hope!

Akvilė Minčinkaitė, MAGIS Coordinator in Lithuania