MAGIS Mission: "I'm Glad God Visits Not Only the Cathedrals of Big Cities"

Asta Krasauskaitė, pastoral care coordinator at Kaunas Jesuit High School, reflects on the fourth MAGIS’24 mission to Kenya, where five students and two staff members, including Fr. Eugenijus Markovas, SJ, served the Lenkisem parish community. The mission’s theme, “So that your joy may lack nothing” (John 15:11), emphasized bringing joy through service, inspired by Pope Francis' words that “true joy is missionary.”

The team’s primary project was helping the local Maasai community of Emesera build a chapel, fulfilling their 11-year dream of having a dedicated worship space, instead of celebrating Mass under a tree. With funds raised by the Kaunas Jesuit High School and St. Francis Xavier community, the group not only contributed to the chapel’s construction but also participated in its joyful consecration.

Beyond building, they formed relationships with local children and helped at a preschool near the chapel. They also engaged with the parish by visiting homes, praying, singing, and running retreats. The experience fostered deep connections, showing the team that simply being present with the people often matters more than physical work.

Despite challenges like a lack of electricity and water, the team felt immense joy. One student, Urtė, remarked, "I received more than I could give." Areta echoed the sentiment, expressing her happiness that "God visits not only the cathedrals of big cities, but also remote Maasai homes." The mission brought shared joy on both the team and the local community.

The mission team extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported their journey, knowing that prayers from Emesera’s Holy Spirit Chapel will continue for those who contributed.