2016-07-22
FRANCE
International Gathering of Marist Youth
On Wednesday, 20 July, young Marists in Lyon, made a journey with Mary. As pilgrims in faith, we have to be open to listen to the stories of men and women filled with the Marist charism. Roundtables organised around the testimonies of committed people.
Asked about the experience that marked them in their Marist life, these five witnesses shared with us, with simplicity and great depth, the things that encourage them.
Mariliza shared with us her experience in pastoral animation and her feeling of being “a young Marist in action.”
John expressed his satisfaction of being a Marist missionary in Asia at the service of those who are abandoned the most.
Sinalelea told about his returning to Tonga and the fight of women to defend their rights in the country. He thinks that “Mary has been the strongest woman.”
Marie-Antoinette, of Togo, sent to Senegal in 2013, has been working with disabled children for six months, a humble and discrete service.
“The Lord called me to take me there and turn me into a Marist sister. One has to stay opened to God’s calling.”
Finally, Ronaldo, from Brazil, shared his experience with the Marist youth ministry, which encourages young people to be protagonists of their own lives so that they can influence others.
Participants united by communities were able to leave a written record in the “Museum of the confluences” of what those testimonies produced in their lives.
The afternoon was a fun moment that led the four branches to have a meeting by maintaining a rich dialogue between young people and the four superior generals.
We have been invited to a "revolution of tenderness" to take care of others but also of ourselves – of our spiritual being.
They encouraged us to do what is good in all circumstances, without shuffling moments.
They encouraged us to find our own answers to the Lord's call and to take our responsibilities as baptized. They invited us to dream and to make our dreams come true.
The day ended quietly with a vigil in the style of Taizé in the crypt of the Basilica accompanied by a beautiful coral.