BRAZIL, Fr. Alexandre Awi. “We should have our finger on the pulse of time and our ear to the heart of God,” our father and founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich taught us. This is the trust in Divine Providence to which no Schoenstatt member can indifferent or apathetic given the events of the last few days. Recently, Pope Francis also reminded us of the need for Christians to be concerned about the public good, the true meaning of political action. What does God want to tell us in all this?
Just a few weeks before World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the visit by Pope Francis, the world is looking at Brazil with surprised concern over the demonstrations that have increased in number, intensity and, unfortunately, also violence in the last two weeks. Fr. Alexandre Awi wrote a letter to the Schoenstatt Boys’ Youth (JUMAS) in Brazil calling for a response rooted in faith and covenant culture..
Clearly, all acts of vandalism and violence must be vehemently condemned, because they discredit the aims of this spontaneous and surprising movement, which is in itself peaceful, that has spread through the streets of Brazil. However, the deep desire in the hearts of these young protestors should be examined in the light of faith.
I suggest that ALL JUMAS GROUPS IN BRAZIL DEDICATE AT LEAST ONE GROUP MEETING – as soon as possible – to examine, position, interpret the voice of God in all this and to pray for Brazil! It is the least we can do! If you want, discuss this article, expressing what you agree or disagree with. You can have opposing opinions, but we need to look at this situation critically and in the light of Divine Providence. In JUMAS, we focus on the formation of the new man in the new society! Most of these young people – despite the infiltration of some troublemakers among them – also want a new society, a new Brazil! After more than twenty years of apathy, Brazil’s youths seem to have awoken to the desire for change!
On the streets across the country we hear and read: “Brazil has woken up!” “Brazil wants change!” The youth, the main protagonists of these demonstrations, organized via social networks, without visible political affiliation and even without very clear reasons, want their cries to be heard echoing their dissatisfaction with the current situation in the country, which leaves much to be desired, even though it has improved in some ways, as we have always said in JUMAS. FAITH and COVENANT CULTURE are probably not among the list of demands made by the protesting youth, but WE – and perhaps only we – can contribute with this part, take advantage of what is good and help to keep what is negative at bay!
The analysts are saying that this movement lacks leaders. What kind of leaders can we be for our country, which needs new, trustworthy, honest, human (and for this reason, also a share in the divine!) leaders? The Missionary Generation has youthful PROTAGONISM as one of its pillars. These young people, each in their own way and with different motivations, are trying to be active protagonists. And what about us, JUMAS Brazil, bearers of the FIRE of Christ on Mount Tabor, what response do we have for Brazil at this time? What fire will continue to burn in our streets – Molotov cocktails or the fire of Christ? What contribution can we give to our country so that it can truly become a Tabor? The answer is in our hands and in our hearts.
Source: www.jumasbrasil.com.br
Portuguese/English Sarah-Leah Pimentel, South Africa
