In Brasilia, the fire of the Regnum Christi charism once again set hearts ablaze during the Youth and Family Encounter (EJF), held November 15-17. This event brought together young people, families and, legionnaires, consecrated & consecrated laity from Brazil and other countries, in an atmosphere of prayer, formation and joy, marked by the consecration of Brazil to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Amid inspiring testimonies, deep reflections and moments of communion, the participants renewed their commitment to carry Christ to the world as living torches that illuminate with the love of God.
Under the guidance of the prayer recited by St. John Paul II in 1979, the members consecrated their lives, vocations, apostolates and families. For Mônica de Mattos, a consecrated member of Regnum Christi, this act had a special touch: «I felt that Our Lady embraced each one of those who came here. It was touching».
For Ignacio Vivar, a consecrated layman of Regnum Christi and coordinator of the Youth and Family Encounter, the greatest expectation of those who coordinate an event of such magnitude is «that everything is well organized and that people feel welcome, even though it is a very human experience. The greatest expectation is that this moment be a true ENCOUNTER. An encounter with Christ, where each person is allowed to ask “Whom do we seek...” and then answer: “Christ... who reveals to us the love of his heart”. I hope that the members from all over Brazil felt that Brasilia, during those days, was their home. That they felt welcome and accompanied. A meeting to form us as “apostles, Christian leaders”, so that when we return to our places of origin, we will be “sent” to evangelize. It all boils down to one phrase: “To make the Kingdom of Christ present”, he emphasized.
Reflections that inspire
In the homily of the inaugural Mass, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Giambattista Diquattro, the words aimed at overcoming selfishness as the key to allowing the Kingdom of Christ to dwell in hearts resounded. «He who knows how to love truly finds his life multiplied. It is a constant exchange between death and resurrection,» he said.
Fr. André Delvaux, L.C., territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ, invited everyone to reflect on the theme of the meeting: «Whom do you seek? He stressed that this crucial question finds its answer in the personal encounter with Christ: »It is not enough to know or to have heard about. A personal encounter with Christ is necessary.
Activities that enliven the charisma
Saturday was notable for its dynamism and variety. “RC Talks”, a Regnum Christo apostolate in Northern Mexico, brought together young people and leaders to reflect on evangelization in today's world. Testimonies such as that of Camila Melo, a consecrated woman, illuminated the potential of evangelizing through social networks: «The exchange of apostolic experiences made hearts burn and I believe it motivated everyone to renew their zeal to bring Christ to today's world».
Daniel Bizzo, a consecrated layman from Regnum Christi, shared how to be collaborator It helped him find his vocation: «To be able to share a bit of my story and talk about Regnum Christi at a meeting like this, in my own city, was very special for me».
Meanwhile, the families participated in a marriage renewal led by Don Renzo Bonetto, an Italian priest, who recalled: «If we want to save the families of the world, we must have holy families. Within marriage nothing is discarded, everything becomes holiness for God». For Adriana and Marcelo Brandão, married for 18 years, this experience was transforming: «We reactivated in our love the depth of our mission».
The day also included the Copa ECYD, where teenagers from different cities competed in sports activities marked by fraternity and team spirit.
A mission that burns
Fr. Hernan Jimenez, L.C., encouraged those present: «We must not look like candles wrapped in plastic, but torches that illuminate those who are not here. Let Regnum Christi be fire in the world!».
Testimonials such as that of Isabela Valente, an organizer of the “RC Talks”, summarized the spirit of the meeting: «Participating in the EJF was to see in a concrete way how our charism transforms realities and touches hearts.
The Youth and Family Meeting concluded with lectures by Dr. Jorge Rodrigues, on the challenges facing families, and by Radek Biernacki, a consecrated layman, who reflected on the evangelization of culture.
The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the consecrated women in Brazil touched all those present, with testimonies such as that of Yoli Garcia, the first director of the consecrated women in the country. In addition, 21 people became members of Regnum Christi and others renewed their apostolic commitment.
The closing Mass, presided over by Fr. André Delvaux, L.C., left an inspiring invitation: «Conquer the world for Christ». This event not only strengthened the communion and charism of Regnum Christi, but also renewed the call to live and transmit the Kingdom in every daily encounter.
(We thank the Brazil communication office for the information)
