In a world where new generations are searching for meaning, community and truth, initiatives such as the Young Faith Congress become beacons of light. This meeting, which will bring together hundreds of young people from Chile, is shaping up to be a moment of encounter, reflection and celebration of the living faith that encourages a youth determined to leave its mark.
Today we talk with Ronald BownThe event's main organizer, Mr. José Luis M. M., shares with us the spirit that animates this event, the challenges of mobilizing youth around the faith and the novelties that this year's edition will bring.
What was the main motivation behind the organization of the Fe Joven Congress and what differentiates it from other youth meetings?
The main motivation was the conviction that Religion is the most important subject of all and that, therefore, it deserved to have a Congress, Seminar, theme week, etc. like the other subjects in the school. This is different from other youth meetings in which the young people participate together with their Religion teachers.
The theme of this year's congress is "Firm in faith, joyful in hope". How does this translate into the concrete experience that the young people will live?
Hundreds of young people from dozens of different schools sharing a whole morning around our faith, together with their Religion teachers, is in itself an experience full of hope. It is a theme, therefore, that is "worked" but especially lived.
What role does spirituality and sacramental life play in the activities of the congress?
It is the protagonist of the day since the presentations and testimonies of the young people are based on their faith experiences. In addition, there is the possibility of attending the Holy Mass, and this year we will close in the best way with an Exposition to the Blessed Sacrament in which we will pray together all those present.
How has the reception been from the participating schools, movements and parishes?
It has been surprising, wonderful and hopeful. 600 attendees - teachers of Religion with their students - from all over Chile who have given a testimony that seeks to be replicated this year in other cities in the country and abroad: Puerto Varas, Villarrica, Lima and Sao Paulo.
What lessons have you learned from previous editions of the congress?
Mainly that young people seek, want and promote encounters of faith and hope. That if their teachers trust them, they bring out the best of themselves to be witnesses of faith and joy.
In a youth context often marked by religious indifference, what strategies does the congress use to connect with today's youth?
At the Fe Joven Congress we defined a very general theme for the presentations - happiness in 2023, forgiveness last year, and this year hope - but the specific focus is decided by each school. And it has been a pleasant surprise to see the variety and depth achieved by the schools' presentations.
What do you hope young people will take away from the congress, both on a personal and community level?
The young people return home very happy, having experienced that faith is joy, hope and love. And a very clear example of this is that the Fe Joven Congress is crossing borders and by 2025 there will be versions in Chile, Brazil and Peru. My dream is that there will be Fe Joven Congresses in all the countries of the world.
