The Youth Movement of the Teresian Association in Spain held its XIV National Encounter from October 20 to 22, 2023 with the theme WE ARE OPEN!
The Meeting brought together 100 young people from different parts of Spain, and around twenty animators, to celebrate together and renew their commitment to live the faith in the style that Saint Pedro Poveda dreamed of.
They have been intense days, full of fun and yet profound experiences, with the opportunity to enjoy and meet new companions along the way as well as moments of reflection. In the closing celebration of the Eucharist, the young people stated: “We are open to listen, to share, to love, to live. That is why we are here celebrating the Eucharist together. We are excited to see the idea of Pedro Poveda alive, sharing these days our faith and the values of the Teresian Association as a big family.”
Walk with the youth
Several members of the Governing Council were present at the opening of the Meeting: Mª Rita Martín, vice-president, Elisa Estévez and Carmen Aparicio. Other TA members also joined them by participating in some of the events or by sending messages to the group.
Animators, area director and members of the Governing Council.
Gregoria Ruiz, president of the Teresian Association, sent a letter in which she highlighted that Acit Joven was the first youth movement recognized by the TA, in which other youth groups in Italy and the Philippines were inspired, as well as many other young people from America and Asia. Alluding to the Lines of Mission and Spirituality, she pointed out that this past summer the Teresian Association has renewed its commitment to continue walking with young people, in this constantly changing society.“We are committed,” she added,“to continue accompanying you, working with you, promoting your protagonism.”
The participants had several workshops and reflection groups according to their age in which they delved into different aspects of the Teresian Association's mission today, some significant moments and persons in its history, and ways of living the spirituality as young people inserted in their diverse realities, such as studies, family, friends... Each group brought their own contribution to share during the Eucharist.
Acit Joven has almost fifty years of history, its founding Manifesto was prepared in 1977 in an Assembly in Madrid, although young people from the Teresian Association in Spain had already been forming groups for several years to live and share the faith. Many members of the Teresian Association have begun their path of commitment from this Movement.
Acit Joven, España.
TA Translation Team.
Published in News