IntoTheDeep: Adore
On July 28, the theme proposed by the Preparatory Commission for the International Gathering of Marist Youth was “ADORE”. The animation was provided by the Marist Sisters. “Today we will go deeper. We are going to Adore”, said Sr. Sylvette ManĂ©, Superior General, during her motivation.
The day began with Mass. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the meeting space and the Marist Sisters began the animation. It was a day of many activities aimed at motivating to deepen the life of faith, trust in God through the example of Mary. Sister Sylvette emphasized this point in her presentation to the young people. She reviewed the life of Mary and invited the participants to point to the “upper room” where the disciples and Our Lady received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Like Mary, the young people were invited to live a simple, ordinary, generous, trusting and humble life. Mary allowed herself to be transformed by God and this is the fundamental attitude for those who want to embrace the Christian life in depth.
Next, Sister Regina de Oliveira, from Brazil, proposed a reflection that showed what it is to adore. She highlighted two key elements that identify this attitude in the Christian: the presence of the Holy Spirit and thanksgiving, which is the Eucharist. He emphasized the Marian appellative “Stella Maris” and asked everyone to reflect on the star that guides their lives.
This was the motivation that led the 22 groups to work on identifying Marian characteristics that could be considered as guiding stars for their own lives.
In the afternoon, the young people lived a very intense spiritual experience. Sister Silvia Sanz de Diego, General Councilor, who was also one of the organizers of the meeting, reflected on the Magnificat and proposed that each one imagine their own. Through individual and group reflection, an artistic presentation synthesizing the reflection of each group was presented to the plenary.
To end the evening, the sisters proposed a long period of adoration, followed by the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.
After supper, the whole group was invited to meditate on what they had experienced during the day, in a moment of contemplation on the beach of Carcavelos.