The annual MAGIS summer event took place this year on July 7-13, bringing together almost 50 young people who decided to spend one week in experiments based on Ignatian spirituality. They were united by the challenging theme of "Knowing the Unknown."

The MAGIS youth community of the Jesuit pastoral program, which organized the event, offered young people aged 18-35 the chance to test themselves in one of three experiments: social, artistic and spiritual, or a bicycle pilgrimage. The art and spirituality experiment, held in Pervalka, was the most popular this year, providing participants with painting, writing, and movement therapy. They were accompanied by neuroeducator Agnė Milieškienė. "You could see the lagoon through the window of the room. Together with the neuroeducator Agnė, we learned to reflect, recognize our feelings, be with them, and release them. After returning, I started writing a diary of reflections. I met fun people," said participant Rūta when asked how she would summarize her experience. Her sentiments were echoed by participants who chose the most dynamic experiment: a bicycle pilgrimage that required both spiritual and physical strength, leading through the most beautiful places in the country, all the way to the seashore.

“Knowing the unknown... I have discovered that it does not take great things to know yourself, another, or God. I discovered the beauty of our Lithuania in other, even brighter colors, I discovered fellowship, friendship, help, loving eyes in simple everyday things, and confrontation with challenges that I successfully overcame. That MAGIS spirit that I experienced will definitely still burn in me - I discovered new things, and I'm very happy about that," said Lauryns, who accepted the challenge of the bicycle pilgrimage and covered 310 kilometers during the experiment. While the pilgrims traveled through Lithuania, the participants of the social experiment spent a week in a day camp for teenagers. They took on the roles of camp leaders and friends, organizing activities for teenagers, becoming reliable conversationalists, and going on daily adventures together. "This experiment helped me to overcome my fears, to understand this and that about others and myself. During the experiment, I not only felt the fulfillment of being with the children, but also created invisible bonds with the MAGIS participants. There were moments that tested me; there were times when you can't stop laughing; there were times when you sink into yourself and God, and feel the light of your heart," shared Emilia, a participant in the social experiment.

Participants with different experiences came together for the opening and closing events. After the thanksgiving dinner, the highlight of the closing event was Lithuanian folk dances. On the last day of the event, after a joint prayer, each participant received a cheerful thank-you-personalized nomination, including "MAGIS determination," "Experiment pace," and "MAGIS hands." The organizers thanked the participants for their open hearts and the opportunity to get to know the uniqueness and individuality of each young person. Evaldas, who participated in the pilgrimage experiment, emphasized the importance of this experience, saying, "I am glad that I could be open and be myself."