We want to begin this sharing, which more than an article is a reflection of our experiences, thanking the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family for guiding and teaching us, but above all for giving us a voice in a world where silencing lives is easy.
We are Carolina and Santiago, two young Colombians, residents in the city of Medellin; we are 26 and 27 years old respectively and we want to tell you a little of our experience, with no other pretension than to bring you closer to the youth of today and our options. We have been involved in youth processes for more than ten years, starting in this beautiful story; thanks to the invitation of one of the sisters.
Belonging to a youth group, in particular to JUVAM (Amigonian Youth) was not seen for us as an option, considering that in our minds we had what the world offered us, empty experiences devoid of meaning and that filled us momentarily.
For many young people, going against the current could resemble a risk in terms of the social environment, being singled out, stigmatized and sometimes persecuted; approaching the message of Jesus at this time can be an act of rebellion, in a world where it is much easier to always put the cold and calculating mind in data, money and statistics, leaving the heart aside, without being empathetic with those who suffer, being indifferent; there Jesus invites us to move life.
In this way we began our JUVAM process, allowing us to be moved from within, learning to be docile to the project that Jesus showed us for our lives, awakening that sensitivity to the pain of our brothers, passionate about His message; there, each one and together gets as a team, we grew spiritually and approached what would be the mission entrusted by God, to be wife and husband, the best «team», with God at the center.
Nowadays, to talk about a project, for many young people can be overwhelming, tedious and old-fashioned, it is thought that one must plan on the way or simply go through each challenge that arises, but undoubtedly, through our youth process, from our Diocese in Caldas, Antioquia, we can say that there are young people who are passionate about life, sensitive to their brothers, critical of what happens in their environment, active in the areas and spaces where decisions are made that impact them.
In the youth, we find diversity, there are nature lovers, crazy about reading and other forms of art and expression, with whom we can have an excellent conversation; able to make their way and find in all these details and life options.
Approaching young people would not be possible if we see them through the stigma; we must see them in their integrity and what they represent for the world, a vital force capable of mobilizing and giving meaning to their projects. In this sense, Jesus is the example to follow, capable of clinging to and loving to the extreme the project that the Father designed for His earthly life.
We cannot end this article without inviting you to let yourself be moved by God’s strength, which invites us to take risks, to be courageous in moments where adversity can darken our path, but always with the faith and hope that, guided by the Spirit and motivated by the message of a young Jesus, we will find the best option.
Peace and Goodness!
With affection,
CAROLINA & SANTIAGO