“Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Young people are one of the missionary priorities of our Andean-Caribbean Province. Therefore, from Venezuela, the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) has been carrying out a rigorous work of evangelization and human development for those who seek our ministries for their spiritual growth. For this reason, the National Meeting of Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry is held every year around the Carnival festivities. This year, 100 young people from six delegations—Caracas, Valencia, San Cristóbal, Maracaibo, Falcón, and Barquisimeto—gathered, accompanied by some confreres from our communities.
The San Alfonso Pastoral Center, located in the city of Barquisimeto in western Venezuela, once again hosted this event. It lasted four days, during which participants enjoyed moments of prayer, recreation, sports, cultural exhibitions, presentations, activities, a festive evening, and, of course, daily Eucharistic celebrations. For many young people, this was their first experience at a youth gathering with the Congregation; for most, it was a repeat experience. They also had the opportunity to meet new friends and reflect on various current issues that will help them in their personal growth, through various presentations.
The Church as the place where young people develop their mission, the Redemptorist mission of young people today, the importance and ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and youth relationships in times of change. The facilitators were: María Laura Piña (Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Barquisimeto), Fr. Yorman Carrillo, C.Ss.R. (Parish Priest of the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help), Eng. Luis París (Redemptorist Layman), and Psychologist Mariandrea Díaz.
Under the motto, “With living hope, the Redeemer guides us,” this gathering took place, the fruit of arduous work to further establish the RYVM (Youth Ministry of the Redeemer) in Venezuela and to deepen the missionary spirit within our nation. Father Aly Villegas, ordinary councilor of the province, concluded the meeting, inviting the young people to work toward a youth ministry that helps them become true missionaries wherever they may be.
The Congregation continues its journey of evangelizing young people, and the Alphonsian charism continues to spread throughout the country. May God accompany all the local groups as they continue to cultivate the other activities that take place throughout the year. May the Immaculate Conception lead them to her Son, Jesus.
Redemptorist Vocational Youth Ministry Venezuela
