Argentinian missionaries: Young people need to encounter the marginalized
By Sr. María Jesús Nieva, PSMC
We “need young people who are truly “transgressive”, non-conformist, who are not slaves to their mobile phones, but who change the world like Mary, bringing Jesus to others, taking care of others, building fraternal communities with others and fulfilling dreams of peace,” Pope Francis said during the Angelus in Asti Cathedral on November 20, 2022, words which came alive among a group of young Argentinians.
In the remote neighbourhoods of Presidenza Roque Sáenz Peña, Province of Chaco, a group of young people, accompanied by religious of the Opera Don Orione, participated in a mission from July 19-22, 2023, which changed their lives forever, bearing fruits still today.
What had begun as a journey of service soon changed into a transformative experience in which the true meaning of evangelization was revealed in every act of good and compassion.
From the start of the day until sundown, these young people were completely dedicated to doing good works.
They organized workshops for neighbourhood children, shared moments of prayer and reflection with families and helped those who had no resources. Each act, as small as it was, was imbued with love and genuine attention.
Yet, beyond material works, what really made a lasting impression was the spirit of joy and camaraderie that marked each shared moment. Among laughter and smiles, these young people discovered the true essence of service. It was not just about doing things for others, but of being truly present, sharing life and experiences with those they served.
Profound and significant conversations arose in the relaxed starry nights that seemed to whisper the secrets of eternity. The young people shared their stories of faith and hope, listening attentively to the experiences of those they were serving. In those moments of intimacy and connection, bonds were created that transcended the boundaries of both time and space.
Through their actions, these young people showed that serving others is not only an efficient way to bring Christ’s message, but also an inexhaustible source of joy and personal achievement. They found that their example could inspire others to follow their journey, sowing seeds of love and hope, wherever they go.
Testimonies of two young missionaries
Sixteen-year-old Mickeas shared his experience of transformation. His neighbourhood, marked by violence, fighting and the presence of weapons and drugs, was his daily scenario.
Mickeas used to spend his days on the streets, causing trouble with his friends. However, one day he received an invitation to visit "Casita Mi Esperanza" (Home of My hope), in his parish, which was dedicated to the neighbourhood’s young people.
Mickeas is now an active participant in the parish’s youth group, which meets three days a week and has the aim of keeping kids away from the streets.
He also collaborates with the Casina Mi Esperanza, where he assists younger children. His task is to organize games and offer them support, showing them that there are more positive alternatives in life. This phase of his life allows him to help others and become a positive role model.
Candela is 14 years old and comes from a humble neighbourhood. Her participation in various areas in her parish was enriching. In the pre-youth and Explorers group, she spends time with children, offering them a place where they can get together on Sundays. Moreover, she is a member of the parish’s folklore and glee Club.
What motivated her to participate in this mission was the opportunity to experience unknown realities. Visiting families, speaking with different people and showing a genuine interest in their lives became a gratifying experience for her.
Candela was able to grasp the feelings of the people in the neighbourhood she visited, which allowed her to enter into their family homes, share moments of prayer and assist in various family situations.
An important moment was the visit to a woman who hosted the missionaries, even though they were many, and shared her suffering with them. Her brother had neurological problems which caused convulsions. They prayed together and implored for blessings for her home and her family.
This mission offered Candela good experiences and a great desire to continue because she wants to communicate her experience and arouse the enthusiasm in other young people, showing them the beauty of brightening the lives of others, so that they may feel accompanied, even from a distance.
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