United World Week 2019, June 9 – 16, Mariapolis Luminosa
Over 70 young adults participated in a 6-day event focusing on aspects of economy, work and communion: the first theme of a 6-year plan for global action called Pathways for a United World.
“The week was great for learning. The topics were really relevant and often applicable to real life. It was a week worth spending.”
“It was a very fulfilling, educational, and unforgettable experience!”
“I think every single person learned something and will take back with them thoughts and ideas they can share with their families, friends and communities because I know I already have.”
“It was also a nice way to meet more people and have conversations about the themes of the week, outside of the conversations during meals.”
“I was able to share my struggle as a youth with my sharing group. It was great to find similarities in our problems. We talked about the competitiveness in the workforce. This stage in our youth were we face instability, precarious work and staying in school for a long time. Through the sharing group, I was able to find comfort in the others and encouragement from others to help me think of the positive things, instead of mainly focusing on the negative aspects.”
“Dave’s workshop taught me how to be smart with my finances. Also believing that money is temporary and needs to be shared with others. The workshop taught me giving back is a part of the responsibility of anyone that has money. And not to strive for the instant gratification and consumerism. Understanding that money is simply a tool, not a possession we own, instead it’s something we need to share. Money can also be a source of evil for some of us. I learned to control my money, not to let money have control over me.”
“This was an eye opening workshop for most of us because we could hear from a real life experience that money is not bad, we can give it a good purpose.”
“This past June, I was able to attend “United World Week 2019: No One In Need.” While the event itself was spectacular, the biggest question is always, “How can I take this back home?” Celsea Tibbitt, another youth member of the Focolare, whom I have known since childhood, answered this question for me.” She truly exhibited the “live to give” motto. Read more…
Luminosa Youth School 2019
A 2-month program with a focus on human and spiritual development with an experience of work, educational trips and local activities.
“It changed my life.”
“It was the best experience of my life.”
“The youth school was amazing because I left with relationship skills that I think will help me in my everyday life.”
“The youth school was the best part of my life because it has changed me and showed me the purpose of my life!”
“Before coming to Luminosa I was attached to things like my cell phone and my hair. I learned in Luminosa that I should not be attached with worldly things but to Jesus. So I cut my hair. I felt I should attach myself to the community and to God. In Luminosa I found the real meaning of Focolare and learned hundred of things and now I am going to take this back to my Focolare community and the gen in my city.”
“Luminosa is a place of Jesus, he lives there and the people in Luminosa are his true followers. I am very thankful to God and the people in Luminosa who helped me change my useless life into a good life, showing me the purpose of my life and helping me to find my vocation once again.”
“I learned what it’s like to live in community with people from other cultural backgrounds.”
“I learned that whatever you encounter is a gift that I must learn to love, to put at the service of others.”
“God surprised me with one of the best experiences of my life.”
“All that I have received in Luminosa I want to give back. Love is a receiving and a pure and constant mutual giving.”