?Youthful Hearts renewing the world?

“Youthful Hearts renewing the world” was the central theme ofla Asamblea de Ciudad Nueva Marista (The ‘New Marist City’ Assembly) that was celebrated March11, 12 and 13 at Instituto San Javier (St Xavier’s School) in Queretaro.

Advisors, people from the city, parents, teachers and brothers came together as a Marist family and outstanding team. You could sense the joy and enthusiasm coming from all the participants.

The gathering opened with a prayer thanking God for the marvelous gift of life and all it has to offer, followed by prayers for the children, young people and families who have survived the disaster in Japan, as well as for those in our own country living in abject poverty and helpless conditions.

Marcellin Champagnat Stadium was the scene of traditional competitions requiring drive, teamwork and solidarity aimed at strengthening personal responsibility, open and sincere communication, efforts at self-improvement and involvement, values animating the team efforts  and serving as important factors in the development of students at the high school.

Working in groups, sharing life’s challenges and dealing with various situations firsthand, the young people truly met Jesus in the smiles of children, the faces and experience of the elderly and the testimony of those who have dedicated themselves to teaching catechism. In addition they came to appreciate the labor of love taking place in a school for the visually impaired. Putting time aside “to see things in a different light,” they brought their way of looking at life to a whole new level.

In the afternoon Marist spirit made its way through the streets of this beautiful colonial city. The singing and the waving of flags and banners caught people’s attention, inviting them to join in the celebration, bringing smiles to their faces, prompting warm hugs and encouragement for all to live their lives to the full and share their hopes for a better world.

For all who attended it was a weekend to share, get to know one another and deepen their commitment to improve themselves and the world around them, take advantage of unique opportunities that life affords, highlight the importance of feeling loved, called and missioned and recognize that everyone has a key role to play in his or her formation – inviting us to join them in singing that we, too, “like loving, seeing the skies over our cities blessed with clean air and befriending all who are working for a brighter future, with hands raised heavenward and hearts open to loving, to loving.”