A time to dream: hope, it?s you!
A meeting of listening and dialogue for Marist youth was held from 11 to 13 November, with the aim of offering a space for sharing experiences and fostering the sense of community and commitment of the Marist youth. The gathering gave the participants an opportunity for recognizing themselves as transformers and builders of society, by way of announcing the Kingdom in their respective life situations. The meeting formed part of activities undertaken in the areas of solidarity, vocations and youth.
The forum was organized for young people at high school and university, Marist students and former students, all engaged in such fields as: Youth Ministry, solidarity, accompaniment of vocations, sports, etc. It was held in the « Instituto Queretano San Javier ». Those taking part were students and former students from 16 to 22, from a number of establishments: Instituto Morelos, Colegio Jacona, Queretano San Javier, Centro Universitario México, Colegio México Bachillerato, Instituto México Toluca and Colegio México Orizaba.
For a start, the animators tried to foster mutual acquaintance by means of games. The participants gradually formed groups which encouraged dialogue, co-operation and proximity. There was a presentation on journeying with high school youth, from the experience of REMAR 2008.
During the meeting, there was a forum on provincial experiences: Hearts in Solidarity, International Marist Youth Meeting in Buitrago, Marist Postulancy…
On Friday evening, the youth had an opportunity to present the situations they came from, their life milieu… After this lively session, they expressed in a phrase what was dear to their heart, what they appreciated and valued. Then a time of prayer allowed each to take stock while reviewing his day. The found this space very rich for listening, and sharing in common intentions, dreams, desires, fears, joys and questionings.
On Saturday, after the morning offering, there was a reflection on Champagnat and his epoque, his faith, activities, struggles up to the construction of l’Hermitage. One of the most significant moments was sharing about and analysing the situation, listening to the common problems, the sharing of the same dreams and ideas for the construction of a new world.
A particularly rich time was when the participants placed in common their ideas and experiences about the task of the young person as evangelizer of other youth. The accent was then placed on the youth as a ‘locus of theology’, on what it is to be ‘good news’ as Marists.
They were also given information about EDUCADYS, an NGO of the Province.
Before the final word, we had the opportunity to share the Eucharist as a family. The celebrant invited the youth not to leave Jesus at the door of their dreams and their lives. He exhorted everyone to follw the word of God and always to think of Mary who, like a good mother, will acompany us and bless us.
Thanks to all for their participation and good dispositions. During these days, we brothers and laity have shared with the youth, accompanied them over a week-end for dreaming, been amazed at their hope and their desire to sow life in community.
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Coco Álvarez, Solidarity
Mónica Yerena, Solidarity
Omar Iván Chacón, Vocations
Ulises Centeno, Youth
Br Miguel Ángel Espinosa, Co-ordinator EPPE