The Boomerang Effect of love

 
“We had never been to one like it. The Gen 3 congress of 2014 was incredible!” was the comment of one of the Irish delegates at a recent international meeting for teenagers in Rome.

“The moment we walked in, the love hit us like a tidal wave, all the gen were smiling, laughing, all of them wanting to be our friends,” said Muireann.

Five teenage girls represented Ireland at the gathering from 1st till 5th March 2014, which had as its theme – The Boomerang Effect – love that we express to the world and that comes back around:  mutual love and unity.

“The talks were amazing,” she said.  “They were deep  and connected a lot to our daily lives and the crisis of war in many countries.”

On Tuesday 4th March 2014, the President of the Focolare movement, Emmaus came to talk to the young people.   She spoke about being mature over discussions and disputes. Disagree without disrespect, she suggested.  “Emmaus gave us courage, hope and faith in God, that we are the future and we are a united world together!”  remarked Éilis.

They were amazed to find that in all of the small stalls around the Centre, little boxes were left out, where people could leave money when they were buying something.  Nobody was checking to see that the money had been paid because “the Gen trusted each other infinitely”.

“ Complete trust that the boomerang effect would work and that people would give the money to the little box. The little box of mutual love!”  said Muireann.

The Irish group decided to pray the rosary together every evening.  “We felt the amazing grace of saying prayers from the heart, a spark grew within us and it created a vibe that we had never experienced before. We really felt the presence of Jesus among us,” was how Laura described the experience of praying together.

“This powerful experience gave us such happiness that we can’t wait to make others find that happiness too. We want to bring that love and unity to our schools and families so as to set the world on fire!” said Meabh.

The  congress ended with an audience with the Pope in St. Peter’s square – the definite highlight.  The Irish girls felt a great joy when Pope Francis said he would bless all their relatives, especially the sick as well as  all the religious objects they had brought.

Jesus had thrown the boomerang right back to them!