‘Burn like A Star’
Over 250 students and adults from Marist schools around the United States arrived at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY to participate on the 2017 Marist Youth Gathering (19-21 May).
This year there were also groups from Mexico, Canada, and two students who lived with the Blue Marists in Aleppo, Syria.
The highlight of the Opening Ceremony was when Brother Emili Turú, Superior General, showed up to welcome the Marist Youth to this weekend's gathering! Br. Emili gave the students a welcome speech and encouraged them to cherish and enjoy the weekend ahead of them!
On the last day, Sunday 21th, the liturgy took on a special meaning, as it was not only mass for the Marist Youth Gathering, but also the National Liturgy for the Bicentennial Celebration. The young people were joined by the provincials from all of the Marist Family: the Marist Brothers, the Marist Fathers, the Marist Sisters, and the Marist Missionary Sisters.
Here are some words, in English, by the participants:
“Its always so exciting to see such a large Marist Family come together. Every year there are so many people from so many walks of life who are bonded together through one common identity. God's love is very present through not only the existing relationships between the young adult and adult teams, but also through the new friendships being formed by the young Marists. You can feel this love and how special it truly is at any time – whether we are together in a large group, or spread throughout the event. The Marist Youth Gathering is a blast. I can't wait to see what the rest of the weekend holds” (Peter Cooper – Miami).
"It's been an amazing experience for me to see my students become filled with the Holy Spirit and the same Marist charism as I have. They have ambitious dreams to bring this Spirit back to SJR" (Joseph LoGiudice – Montvale, New Jersey)
"What I learned and can see is definitely that there is more to me than what I see. Through Madelines talk, music ministry, and the workshops, I have all I need to be successful – it's just a matter of "awakening that fire" within me” (Christine Demetillo – Roselle Catholic '14)
"They are still certainly recognizable as the kids they were on Friday, but the transformation of their hearts is palpable. The Holy Spirit has been ignited in them through the Spirit of Marcellin and they are forever changed. Their hearts are on fire, and their passion awakened, as they make plans to bring this light back to Marist Chicago" (Colleen Pochyly – Chigago)