“I am going to become a saint.” A simple, almost disarming phrase from Saint Gerard Majella, which from August 6th to 9th accompanied one hundred young people, priests, and religious who arrived from Italy and Spain for the first meeting of the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) of the Europe South Province.
Four days spent in Materdomini, filled with prayer, meetings, music, fellowship, silence, celebration, and a deep desire to be together. Four days to learn more about Saint Gerard, but above all to be challenged by his life and ask ourselves: what does it mean, today, to choose to become saints?
The answer came little by little, through the many experiences we shared together. Because holiness, as the young people have discovered over these days, is not something distant or reserved for the few, but a concrete journey, made up of daily choices, relationships, setbacks, and restarts.
We’re off: Materdomini welcomes us
Thursday, August 6th, was the day of arrival and the first meetings. Young people from various Italian and Spanish communities gathered in Materdomini and, between greetings, introductions, and a few shy smiles, they began to get to know each other.
The simple yet festive welcome helped everyone immediately feel part of something larger: one family, united by the same Redemptorist charism.
After the opening prayer in the Basilica and a visit to the most significant sites of the Sanctuary, it was time for the procession through the streets of Materdomini and the opening Mass, presided over by Monsignor Pasquale Cascio, Bishop of the Diocese of Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi-Conza-Nusco-Bisaccia.
In his homily, the Bishop urged young people not to be afraid of holiness and, above all, not to settle for a life lived halfway. He urged them to let themselves be guided by the Gospel and to take seriously the dreams that God places in each of their hearts.
The first day concluded with an evening of presentations, testimonials, celebration, and fellowship: the best way to begin building new friendships.
On the streets of Saint Gerard
Friday, August 7th, was the day dedicated to origins. The destination was Muro Lucano, the birthplace of San Gerardo.
Walking those streets, entering the places of his childhood, and learning more about his story allowed the youth to discover a very real Gerard: a young man like many others, with a job, difficulties, desires and also many misunderstandings.
It was here that the meaning of his “I am going to become a saint” became even clearer. Gerard didn’t wait for perfect conditions to begin his journey of seeking. He chose to live with God in his daily life.
After a shared lunch in Muro Lucano, lovingly prepared by the locals, the group returned to Materdomini to celebrate Mass together.
In the evening, the Basilica hosted a prayer vigil, the adoration of the Cross, with the option of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was one of the most powerful moments of the meeting: in silence and prayer, many young people were able to pause, entrust their struggles to God, and experience once again the beauty of a forgiveness that lifts us up and sets us back on the path.
Stop, listen, share
Saturday, August 8th was the day of discovery and discernment. The morning began with prayer in the Basilica and a catechesis that prepared the young people for their group work. There was time for silence and personal reflection, before gathering together to share what was in each person’s heart.
And here something beautiful happened: Italian and Spanish were not an obstacle, but an enrichment. Between words, gestures, improvised translations, and a few smiles, similar dreams, fears, questions, and desires emerged. Because, regardless of language or country of origin, there are questions that concern everyone: What do I really want from my life? Where is God calling me? How can I be happy?
In the afternoon, the group moved to Caposele for some workshops related to the life of Saint Gerard. And after such an intense day, a great evening of celebration was a must, because laughing, singing, and spending time together are also part of the journey.
A calling to live
Sunday, August 9th, arrived almost too soon. The final day was dedicated to witness and the missionary mandate. After prayer, catechesis, and a final moment of group sharing, everyone gathered in the Basilica for the final Mass, presided over by the Provincial, Father Gennaro Sorrentino.
In his homily, the Provincial recalled that choosing holiness does not mean giving up the joy of youth. On the contrary, it means learning to live everything with greater meaning, allowing the Gospel to flavor our days.
The celebration reached a particularly poignant moment when five young Redemptorists received the ministries of Acolyte and Lector. Among them was the writer, called to share this moment with four other brothers. We hope that our “here I am,” pronounced before the altar, will become for everyone a concrete testimony of how the response to God’s call takes shape in service to the Church, to the Word, and to the Eucharist.
It’s not a point of arrival
Then came the final lunch. The last moments together, the photos, the hugs, the goodbyes, and that strange feeling that always accompanies the end of a beautiful experience: the desire to stay a little longer.
The young people returned to their communities in Italy and Spain, bringing with them much more than just a few memories. This first meeting of the RYVM of the Europe South Province was, above all, a beginning. A beginning made of new relationships, questions, dreams, and the desire to continue walking together.
Perhaps, in the end, Saint Gerard’s phrase still best sums up these days: “I am going to become a saint.” I’m not already a saint. I haven’t figured it all out. I don’t have all the answers. I’m going. I’m setting out. I try, I fall, I start again, I seek God in everyday things and I learn to do so with others. And then, yes: sainthood can truly be an adventure within everyone’s reach.
An adventure to be experienced together, with joy in our hearts and the Gospel in our hands.
Student Francesco Di Lorenzo, C.Ss.R
