The National Meeting of Guanellian Youth brought together two hundred young people from various Guanellian parishes.
The slogan was an invitation from Don Guanella to courage
di Maria Chiara Capriotti
È It was one of the most anticipated and significant events for the young people of the Guanellian Youth Movement: the National Meeting. This year, the event found its beating heart amidst the sun and sea of Sicily, specifically in Messina. Here, on the afternoon of Thursday, April 30, approximately 180 young people gathered to begin days of sharing, prayer, and fellowship. Many communities, all united by the Guanellian spirituality, were involved: Perugia, Rome, Ferentino, Bari, Alberobello, San Ferdinando, Laureana, and Agrigento. Naturally, the local community joined in, generously opening the doors of the oratory and the city to the numerous guests.
The meeting was a precious opportunity to get to know one another, share experiences, and rediscover the beauty of being part of a far-sighted movement. Guiding these days was one of the most famous quotes of the founder, Saint Luigi Guanella: "You cannot stop: destination is the world." A motto that accompanied the young people, reminding them that faith and charity know no boundaries and that commitment to those around us always requires progress.
The days were a rich and engaging experience: heartfelt testimonies, group activities to grow together, walks and games through the streets of the historic center, transforming Messina's streets into a vast open-air oratory. There were also moments of intense and engaging prayer, including a walking vigil through the Fondo Fucile neighborhood. Walking those streets allowed everyone to bring the light of faith to a real context, made up of homes, faces, and stories. The evocative journey finally led us to the Hermitage of Madonna degli Angeli, a place filled with peace and spirituality, where prayer became even more intimate.
Among the most significant events was the one on May 2nd: we went to the Cathedral of Messina to meet Archbishop Giovanni Accolla. In the evocative setting of the cathedral, he shared a profound and engaging testimony with us, echoing the phrase "You can't stop." He wanted to explain it to us in a new way, one that's relevant to our age: don't stop before your dreams, don't let yourself be held back by fear or difficulties, but have the courage to walk toward what you want to build in life.
The bishop's words have inspired many with a more confident outlook on the future. The enthusiasm, the music, the sea, and the warmth of Sicily have left a lasting impression on the hearts of those who participated. And some of us are already dreaming of the next stage, because—as Don Guanella teaches—stopping is never an option.