The words of the young people themselves who lived through this experience capture the profound sense of calling and mission, the experience of family, and the encounter with the Good Jesus.
Leïla (Gabon)
What stands out to me about the experience is:
The welcoming atmosphere: the moments of togetherness during the activities, which created a joyful, family-like atmosphere of discovery.
An exploration of the life of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna, a historical figure, her family spirit, her hospitality, and her humility in serving those in need.
It was a very pleasant moment, since, spiritually speaking, she was present among us.
All of this was wrapped up in a boundless and joyful trust in Divine Providence, which was the secret to his flexibility.
Álvaro (Brazil)
Participating in the Vedruna International Youth Encounter in Vic, Spain, was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. When I received the news that I would be representing Brazil, my heart was filled with joy, but also with a sense of responsibility. I felt that God was entrusting me with a very special mission, one that went far beyond a simple trip.
It all began back in Brazil, with the preparatory sessions, the virtual training sessions, and the materials sent by the Vedruna Sisters. Each gathering nourished my faith and prepared my heart to experience something I couldn’t even begin to imagine.
Arriving in Vic was like returning to the roots of the charism that has been part of my journey for so many years. Walking through the places where Saint Joaquina lived out her mission, visiting the Manso Escorial, contemplating the cross, and, above all, praying before the body of Saint Joaquina were moments I will never forget. There, in the silence, I experienced a profound peace. I realized that Saint Joaquina’s entire life was a response of love to the Good Jesus and that that same love is still alive today, inspiring people in different parts of the world.
Another great gift I took away from this experience was meeting so many young people and the Vedruna Sisters. Although we speak different languages and come from very diverse cultures, I discovered that God’s love unites us and makes us feel part of the same family. In every conversation, prayer, celebration, and moment of sharing, I could feel that the Vedruna charism is still alive in the hearts of those who believe it is possible to transform the world through love, hope, and service.
I’m returning to Brazil a different person than when I arrived. I carry in my heart many memories, friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and a faith that has been further strengthened. This experience renewed my commitment to the mission, rekindled in me the desire to continue serving young people and the Church, and confirmed that it is worth following in the footsteps of the Good Jesus, just as Saint Joaquina did.
I leave Vic with the certainty that the mission continues. Now I carry with me not only memories, but also the responsibility to share everything I have experienced and to continue being a sign of that generous love that transforms lives. May Saint Joaquina continue to guide my steps, and may the Good Jesus always be the inspiration for my journey.
Erik (Vitoria)
Coming back from this gathering in Vedruna is like returning with the certainty that my family is so much bigger than I ever imagined. I arrived without really knowing what to expect, and I’m leaving with my heart completely overflowing.
What has left the deepest impression on me has not been just the group dynamics, but the sense of authenticity that filled every moment. Seeing such a diverse group of people, from completely different walks of life, looking each other in the eye without a shred of prejudice and sharing our faith and lives on a personal level. I’ll always cherish the peace of those morning prayers, the simple conversations that lingered in the dining hall or at the hostel, the visits to El Manso or the Sagrada Familia… but above all, I’ll cherish that very real feeling of fitting into Saint Joaquina’s dream.
For me, it has been a restorative embrace and an indelible mark. But above all, I take with me a commitment for my daily life: not to keep this light to myself, to be a refuge for others when the path grows difficult, and to keep walking with that love that never says “enough.”
April (Catalonia)
For me, taking part in this Vedruna International Encounter Week was a very special experience. As a resident of Vic, I was proud to welcome people from so many different parts of the world to my city and to share such wonderful days with them. At first, it might have seemed that we had little in common because of our different cultures and realities, but I soon realized that something much stronger united us: the same Vedruna spirit.
What I’ll remember most are the people I met, the conversations, the laughter, and all the moments we shared. It was a very intense and wonderful week—the kind I know I’ll remember for a long time.
For me, it has been a true honor to experience this gathering in Vic, the city where I grew up, at such a special time as the congregation’s bicentennial. I am very grateful.
More testimonials from young people from the Vedruna Province of Europe can be found on the PJV Vedruna website:
