Each year at the Mariapolis – the summer gathering of the Focolare Movement – the young people meet together to discuss and listen to one another on the challenges and experiences that each of them live in their everyday lives.
This year the Focolare teamed up with the Corrymeela Centre to provide this.
Just over 100 young people aged from 4 years to 25 years met in Corrymeela – each in separate categories. The youth stream at the Mariapolis was particularly enriched this year by the help of Corrymeela and Gen Rosso. Corrymeela (not only our hosts but also our supporters) helped us construct a programme with the focus on the building and bonding of relationships and friendships. Further enrichment came from members of Focolare’s performing arts group, Gen Rosso. Beni and Adelson are part of a group that has performed – over its 40 years history – to 6,000,000 spectators travelling 2,000,000 km right across the world.
Here is some of the highlights of each ‘tributary’ of the Youth Stream!
The 4-9 year old treasure hunted around Corrymeela to see if they could put into practice the spirit of the Mariapolis – together with the Corrymeela Community they prepared for the Evening of Celebration in the Marine Hotel – where they told everyone – in a very musical way – the story of: “There was a moose!”
The 10-14 year olds, met with Adelson from Brazil – one of the members of Gen Rosso, who helped the young people prepare a dance entitled: “Many streams…one river!” – The theme of this year’s summer gathering – the dance performed at the Celebration Evening was infused with glimpses from the current World Cup. The young teenagers also went on a ‘knowledge hunt’ with Corrymeela – discovering the roots of the Focolare Movement in Ireland by seeking to find the wise, knowledgeable and more mature members of the Focolare in Ireland.
The key-note session for the 16+ year olds was held in Corrymeela on Friday 4th July – Independence Day! Fr. Brendan Purcell (Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney) led a round table discussion on how to achieve: Many streams…one river! through the building of relationships.
Fr. Purcell explained through personal experience and theological and philosophical means – what the basis of relationships must be. Judge Mary O’Malley-Costello, shared her experience of living relationships in law and justice, Laura Cullen (a student) shared her experience of living in the Focolare’s little town of witness, Loppiano, near Florence in Italy. Virgo from Syria shared her experience of living relationships with each person, one moment at a time – as she explained how life takes on a new perspective in time of war. Michele Marken ( Principal and Media Commentator) shared her experience of building relationships through the radio and TV whilst recounting on her experience in Education. The experiences, the input, the discussions made our youth stream reflect, think, chat and share about the basis of their relationships and how they could live a gospel inspired life – each day.
Another part of the youth stream was the preparation for “World-Person Project” in Argentina from 14th July – 28th July. The teens travelling to the event, used the Mariapolis as a preparation time and to get to know one another. Beni and Adelson from Gen Rosso helped the group prepare a song, while Sinead Walsh put the teens through their 1,2,3’s which they then performed at the Evening of Celebration!
These are only snapshots of a beautiful and meaningful time spent together – we thank everyone for their help and support making this year’s youth programme in Ballycastle!
