Posted On 2009-09-29 In Covenant Life

Schoenstatt Youth Festival 2009: Yes, Father! I trust in you!

Youth Festival in PolandPOLAND, Kuba Orowski and Marysia Kwas. Young people from all over Poland recently came to Świder near Warsaw in order to finish the summer vacation time in a Schoenstatt way. Inspired by this year’s motto: “Yes, Father, I trust in you,” they attended lectures and courses regarding fatherhood and the role of a father in one’s life -Father God, Father and Founder, and family fathers-.

Holy Mass durng the Youth Festival in PolandThis year’s festival was begun with words of a prayer, joyful singing, and a blessing from Father Wojciech. Within the jubilant sight of the beloved Mother Thrice Admirable, everyone felt welcome, as always. “Tonight all dine in heaven,” was a shared thought and, luckily, the place was just a few steps away. Yellow key chains with the word, SZENSZTAT, printed on them hanging from everyone’s necks were a visible sign of each person’s affiliation with the Movement. With their bodies nourished, the young people went also to prepare their spirits for all the events they were about to encounter. Sister M.Marcelina in her opening lecture explained the basics relating to the topics that were about to be discussed during the Festival. The lecture was followed by the core part of the day – the Holy Mass and meeting with Jesus Christ in communion. The supper, which followed, was a great opportunity to eat with wonderful companions either sitting on grass, a bench or, more conventionally, at the table. The evening program, which included multimedia presentations about the young peoples’ past year’s activities along with singing and dancing as well as many other forms of entertainment. The first day of the Youth Festival concluded with Evening Prayer. But the best was yet to come…

Food for thought day

The Kwas familyFriday was undoubtedly a food for thought day. After greeting Christ in Morning Prayer and stuffing their stomachs with food, they went to Paweł Kwas, Ph. D.’s lecture about appreciating fatherhood, which is commonly devalued in the contemporary world. During the Eucharist, on that day, they prayed for the lecturer and his family as well as for everyone’s father. In the afternoon, they were given some time to pray, play, and reunite with long-lost friends. In the evening, they were shown a thought-provoking film, Sophie Scholl. They then entrusted the entire day to their Mother in Evening Prayer, after which they went to sleep to get ready for the following day.

Heartfelt events: two Covenants of Love

Saturday morning was spent separately – girls in Świder and boys in Józefów- in order to allow them to examine fatherhood in a sex-specific way. Would-be fathers acquired information about Schoenstatt Fathers, whereas the ones whose future role will be supporting them attended Sister M.Sabina’s lecture, followed by a heated discussion. Boys came to Świder, and at the joint Mass, everyone praised God – the best Father. Young hearts were filled with joy because two young men made their Covenant of Love with Mary. The last evening was an evening of testimonies; the youth from different dioceses, both boys and girls were discussing about who the father in their life was. As always, they also found time for laughter, singing and joy. Tired, the last full day of the Festival concluded with a joint prayer.

Sent out with a message to share

The entire groupOn Sunday after Matins and breakfast, they had their last group Eucharist, after which they gathered once more by their Shrine to receive a blessing from Father Wojciech. Everyone received an Eye of Providence symbol to help them remember that their beloved Heavenly Father is continuously with them. Heartened by His presence, everyone set off to his or hers different city, school, and family to spread the message received during this year’s Festival.

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