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Testimony of Second JMV General Assembly

"Hello everyone! I am María José from Argentina.  I would like to share a few lines about my experience during the 2^nd VMY General Assembly.  The truth is, up to now I still could not believe that I was in the same chapel where the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Catherine. It was truly a gift that the Lord has given me although I am not very sure yet of the reason why. In spite of the days that seemed to fly and the work of the Assembly, I have realized that it was very beautiful and it led me to know other VMY groups. However, it was also paired with a pile of responsibilities that have to be taken with a lot of effort and yet with the joy that characterizes us, young people. When I was asked to write this, I took as a reference the beautiful Gospel passage which is also part of a song that goes, “If I am faithful in little things, He is going to entrust me with more. If I am faithful in little things, He will guide my hands.” It was for this that after having lived-out joy and work-filled days and having come to see the Pope in person, I became sure that the Lord gave us a beautiful dream so that together, we can make it come true. It’s just a matter of opening our hearts to the Word and allow ourselves to spread His love to the many others who need to feel loved more than ever. Greetings to all VMY of the world!” --- Majo

In spite of the richness of our language, I find it a little difficult to share about the great experience I had during our General Assembly and the WYD because I could not find the exact words to describe 100% of what I have lived-out there.

In our General Assembly I can affirm once again that we are a great family united by the same sentiments and charism wherein distance and language are not big barriers during the time of sharing and cohabitation. It created a great impact and motivated me to move on in a persevering work of dedication for our Association. In fact, despite our geographical and economic differences, etc, we all have the same concerns when it comes to the challenges of the VMY in the world today. And, above all we are all willing to take on them because the wish of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in founding an Association for the young people is still relevant today. She would want us to bring to Jesus through her the millions of young people who have many needs: above all the need to know that they are loved and created by God.

The WYD was an experience of a pilgrim who walks, walks and walks without allowing weariness and sacrifice to overcome him, maintains joy and keeps sight of the Horizon of being together with a young Universal Church, to adore Christ present in the Eucharist and in each of our brothers and sisters.

Delia I. Díaz P (VMY Santo Domingo)

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Testimony after the AG 2005

We were in-charge of the reception of the participants. We also had to be available to extend our help and service to them. While we prepared the snacks during break time and distributed little souvenirs from the different regions of France, the participants gave us little gifts too such as bracelets, etc.

To think of others before oneself seemed to become natural...

At the start, no one thought that the French could do such, but we made it. We accepted the challenge!

The participants gave a standing ovation to thank us.

We offered a gift to the VMY International. We made an altar with what we had; little lamps which supported the globe and a cross were placed in the steps.

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I did not feel well when I arrived at the AG. Everyone helped me and this gave me confidence. I became mature. When I can, in my time, it will be my pleasure to help those who accompanied me. I would like to share with others what I have learned in JM. This helped me to become responsible. It allowed me to create bonds of friendship. More than friends, they are family!

I thought of leaving JM after the AG thinking that it would have been a good way of ending. But, in truth, I am continuing because I received much and this revived the faith.

For me it was very marvelous when each one of us recites the Our Father in our own language.

We are very thankful to Mary who motivated this encounter. It was she who made the flames alive.

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Message from a young volunteer

During this encounter, we welcomed the VMY of the entire world. The event has two parts: during the first week we prepared, among other things, the Marian Vigil which occupied much of our time, and then the reception of the VMY. The week after, we placed into action what we have learned. During the activity, the spirit of teamwork and having to take certain responsibilities caught my attention as well as the dialogue with the other members of the Association, in spite of the language differences which proved to be a barrier for me.

I don’t have any negative comment to say. Instead, I simply wished we had more time to visit Paris with the members. The practices for the vigil were rather long and there was much tension during the day itself.

Thanks to everyone who allowed the “Rays” (12-15 years) to pass wonderful moments with them. We hope that we can meet those who were not there in other events. We count on you!

Sophie

JM France

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Testimony WYD

During the WYD, I was the only representative of my country, the Central African Republic. There were very interesting moments especially the Opening Liturgies on August 16 and 18, the Way of the Cross and the Vincentian Festival on August 19.

The Vigil celebrated under the full moon was a very great experience for me. For the first time, I saw young people from the different parts of the world sharing a very spiritual and cultural experience.

This made me discover the unity of the youth. I understand better that we form one Body: that of Christ united in the Virgin Mary.

Joël Pagonendji

VMY Central Africa

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Testimony on the WYD

For the first two days in Germany we joined the Vincentian Marian Youth International Encounter. In the school where we stayed there were youth from Italy, Slovakia, Philippines, USA, Indonesia and some other countries. In this short period of time we tried to learn from our VMY friends as much as possible. Indeed, we were very impressed by their fervent Marian devotion as well as their juvenile spontaneity and enthusiasm, which exploded in Düsseldorf during the Vincentian Youth Festival, an encounter of prayer and sharing where more than 500 young people participated, and especially during the socio-cultural presentations that followed. We were honored to perform our Taiwanese aboriginal dance. With the first sounds of the music the atmosphere immediately went high; it was easy to dance because it seemed that everyone was dancing. It would be dishonest not to admit that we enjoyed very much seeing others appreciate our dance which we were preparing carefully for many days.

There are still many more memories and affections that we brought from the pilgrimage to Europe which we will keep in our hearts forever. This was a beautiful experience especially for us, Catholic youth living in a non-Christian country. Hence, I think whether the pilgrimage is a success or not does not depend on how much you spend, where you go, how you travel or where you sleep, but it depends on what intention a person brings to the pilgrimage and what was in the hearts of the young people. It was a real pilgrimage.

Paul Zheng

VMY Taiwan