2022-06-27 PORTUGAL

“All roads” lead to Lisbon for the International Marist Youth Gathering 2023

As we approach the year 2023, and with the approval of the General Councils of the 4 branches of the Society of Mary, it has been agreed to relive together the experience of the International Gathering of Marists Youth (IGMY).

Since 2016, the four branches of the Society of Mary have held a joint meeting with young people from our religious families. These experiences, and particularly the last one (WEAVING LIFE – 2019), were excellent spaces for leadership and networking for young Marists from different parts of the world and for strengthening our common spiritual heritage.

Having reflected together, and after the positive evaluation of the meeting in Guatemala in 2019, we can announce the joint experience with young people from the 4 branches of the Marist Family, in the City of Lisbon.

An International Preparatory Commission chosen among the 4 congregations has been working on this meeting proposal. Under the theme “INTO THE DEEP” it is expected to give 220 young Marists from all over the world the opportunity to:

  • embrace the precious gift that they are to God, to the Marist Family, to the Church and to the world.
  • live an international and intercultural experience, guided by the spirit of Mary and the Marist spirit.
  • offer an experience of Marist prayer, community, family, and mission.
  • discover ways to deepen and live out our personal call to discipleship.
  • begin to understand what it means to be a pilgrim amongst other pilgrims.
  • and build on the experience which took place in Guatemala, 2019.

STAKE

The IGMY is open to young Marists between the ages of 18 and 30 who have the maturity and commitment to enter into the full experience and share it with the Marist Youth Ministry (PJM) groups when they return to the respective Administrative Units (Provinces and Districts).

IGMY DATES

The IGMY will take place from July 26 to 30, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Colégio Marista de Carcavelos.

In addition, on Monday, July 31, a Marist World Festival will be held for the participants of the IGMY and the young people who attend the World Youth Day (WYD) the following days. Age from 15 years has been announced as a criterion for participation in the festival.

WYD DATES

The IGMY Preparatory Commission also encourages young Marists to participate in the World Youth Day (WYD) for those who can do so in the following way: the dates for the World Youth Day, in Lisbon, are from 01 to August 06, 2023. “Mary got up and went quickly” (Lk 1,39) is the biblical quote chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of WYD.

It is important to note that the Marist facilities listed below will host the youth participating in WYD to foster our family spirit and support all Marist participants in having a home. Registration for WYD depends on the participants. The Marist College (Externato Marista de Lisboa) will offer accommodation.

In addition to the above information, the Marist Provinces and Districts will be informed in a timely manner about the logistics and preparation of the young people for these important meetings.

Welcome to Lisbon and welcome to the IGMY: let’s move “INTO THE DEEP”!


The commission, from the 4 branches of the Marist Family, which met in Lisbon on June 17 and 18, is made up of Juan Carlos Piña (Marist Fathers), Akenesa Afoa (Marist Missionary Sisters), Anne McCabe (Marist Sisters) and Marist Brothers Carlos Rojas, Mark Omede, Fabio Oliveira and Rui Pires. Lucia Gómez and Marisa Temporão, from the Marist Province of Compostela, are also members of the commission.

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