Like a river in flood, young people from different places are infected and move forward in their commitment to Jesus and his Kingdom. Two different and at the same time important experiences, that of the young people of Lima-Peru gathered to discover the Risen One, the Jesus who lives and those of the Dominican Republic discovering and deepening in the legacy of Joaquina, her love for Jesus and her passion for the Kingdom.
Young people from Lima to meet the Risen Lord
On May 1st, the Casa Vedruna of Pueblo Libre opened its doors to welcome leaders of youth groups of our parish, together with brothers from Vicaries 3, 4 and 5 of the Diocese of Carabayllo, in a significant meeting that invited us to rediscover a truth sometimes forgotten: the Resurrection also deserves to be celebrated as a feast.
Many times, during Holy Week, we are left contemplating the cross, the passion, the pain… but what about the joy of the Resurrection? Our Vedruna sisters taught us, from silence and listening, to live and walk together with the Risen One, recognizing that the cross was not the end, but the beginning of life and of the infinite love that He has for each one of us.
In an atmosphere of reflection and interiorization, we lived very valuable moments: from a letter of Pope Francis addressed to us, the young people, in which each one could express his response, sharing testimonies, fears and uncertainties that undoubtedly moved more than one; passing to the practice of spiritual conversation, something somewhat novel for us, since we are used to noise, to interruption, to hear but not to really listen. In this space we were able to get to know each other and discover that we have something in common: we are full of fear, but also full of a young, stubborn and lively faith.
There was also space for silence, that language that connects us with the heart of God, where many of us could, at last, find peace and answers to those questions that we carried so much; feel his presence from the calm, nature and the warmth that the Vedruna home offered us. We ended with a Eucharistic celebration full of beauty and meaning, in which we all participated. A celebration that enlivened our hearts.
We are deeply grateful to the Congregation of the Vedruna Sisters, who generously welcomed us into their home and gave us the gift of a transforming experience. In this time in which they are walking towards the Bicentenary, their life and mission continue to be a light of hope for the Church, especially for the Youth Ministry of the parish “Jesús Resucitado”.
May their witness continue to inspire so many young hearts to live a generous love, a mission that inspires, as the motto of this special anniversary reminds us.
Thank you, sisters, for showing us that the Risen Jesus also walks among us!
Daphne Aramburu, “Jesús Resucitado” Parish Youth Ministry
The youth of the Dominican Republic on the road to the Bicentenary
As part of the celebration of the Bicentenary of the Foundation of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna, a national youth meeting was held on May 18, which brought together 42 adolescents and young people from the various communities where the sisters live their missionary life in the Dominican Republic.
This activity was part of the initiatives promoted by the Vedruna Youth Mission in the country, with the objective of continuing to strengthen the bond between young people and the charism inherited from Saint Joaquina de Vedruna.
The main purpose was to deepen in the life, spirituality and legacy of Saint Joaquina de Vedruna, contextualizing it within the social, cultural and religious reality of today’s society. Dominican Republic. It also sought to motivate the participating adolescents to live their faith in a way that would active and committed, being agents of change in their communities.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of fraternity, dynamism and reflection.
At the end of the meeting:
- The adolescents showed great interest and participation during all the proposed activities.
- There was evidence of a strengthened sense of belonging to the Vedruna movement.
- Christian commitment was promoted from a spirituality incarnated in the Dominican reality.
- Bonds were consolidated among the different Vedruna youth communities in the country, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and meetings.
The meeting was a meaningful experience that allowed to renew the missionary spirit of the adolescents from the legacy of St. Joaquina. The activity responded effectively to the proposed objectives and left a positive mark on the participants, who are now more motivated to be living witnesses of love, justice and solidarity in their communities.
Sr. Belky Hernández, ccv
