The second edition of “Quo Vadis?” (Where are you going?) has come to an end for thirty young people from four continents. From 10 to 19 July, they were in Loppiano to embark on a journey of vocational discernment, supported by around twenty tutors and mentors. From “giving of oneself to discover one’s true self” to the search for one’s “life plan”.
by Paolo Lòriga
“On this final morning, I invite you to embark on an inner journey”, began Darìo, a Colombian from the International Gen Centre, addressing the thirty young people from twenty countries across Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Sunday 19 July marked the final day of the ten-day experience in Loppiano, open to all young people aged between 25 and 35, entitled “Quo Vadis?” (Where are you going?), now in its second year. Letizia, from the organising team, then retraced the programme’s journey back to the meaning of the title. ‘The apostle Peter was fleeing Rome to avoid being killed. The Christians who had remained in the city had advised him to flee. Just outside Rome, he met a man who asked him: “Domine, quo vadis?” (Lord, where are you going?). ‘I am going to be crucified a second time,’ replied Jesus himself. Peter turned back and went to give his life.’ A profound silence fell. Letizia continued: ‘Now it is our turn. We are about to set out on our journey. Perhaps at the station you will meet someone who will ask you: “Quo vadis?”’.
Finally, as a parting gift, three symbols were given to the participants: a compass, a suitcase and a thought. And the young people opened their hearts. “It was an opportunity to be free through this great love of God and of others”. “I met people who had found fulfilment, whereas before I didn’t know many like that. The journey of meditation and prayer with all the young people was a great help.” And again: “It was a space to ask the deepest questions.” “Through conversations with the tutors and the young people, I realised I was living in a bubble from which I now want to break free.” The microphone was passed from hand to hand: “I’m leaving with more questions than before, but also with answers that have shed light on my life and strengthened my faith.”
They arrived on Friday 10 July, invited by participants from the first edition, through the Focolare media, by people from the Movement, or via social media. Their expectations varied greatly (not all were members of the Focolare), but their desire to explore their present situation and look into the future was identical. “The aim of these days,” explained Irene and Gianpaolo, a married couple acting as facilitators for this edition, “was not necessarily to find answers to the questions, but to embark on a journey to learn to ‘live with’ the questions. It was about learning to recognise the stirrings of the heart and to choose what helps us grow in Love.”
Tutors and facilitators – around twenty in total, with different vocations, ages and professions – supported the thirty participants (a limited number), having also provided preliminary preparation. Then, over the ten days, various themes were explored (always in Italian and English) based on closeness to God, to oneself and to others. It was clear to everyone that such a journey of ‘vocational discernment’ did not lead to highlighting a consecration to God, but to recognising the signs of one’s own vocation in life. Particularly effective were the engagement with the Word of God through Lectio Divina, personal and communal dialogue, prayer, sharing, Eucharistic adoration, a visit to the Fraternity of Romena, as well as games and theatre, music and walks under the stars.
“Giving of oneself to discover oneself” was one of the guiding mottos from the outset, with the aim, according to the organisers, “to re-examine one’s own story in the light of the Word and rediscover the value of having been created as a gift to become a gift for others”. In short, a pedagogy that begins with loving others and God in order to come to know oneself, drawing on the “wake-up call” from Pope Francis: “Let us not waste time asking ourselves: ‘But who am I?’, but rather ask yourselves: ‘For whom am I?’”. The programme was enriched by the distinctive features of Chiara Lubich’s charism, with a shared experience of the spirituality of communion within the context of Loppiano and a constant commitment to mutual love. These were the foundations for experiencing the grace of Jesus present amongst the participants, in the discovery of the mystery of Jesus Crucified and Forsaken, as the architect of unity and peace.
At the end, the participants placed in their rucksacks those concrete steps they had identified to take. There also remains the possibility of continuing to be supported by tutors and mentors from “Quo Vadis?” and of finding those close to their own world. The journey, in fact, can continue within their own communities or within the Focolare Movement, or through specific vocational pathways. There is undoubtedly greater clarity now. As confirmed by those who are already on their way to catch the train: “The testimonies have given me the courage to continue hoping and to look with confidence towards my future choices”.
Photo gallery
A few snapshots
Foto by Cris Machado e Dennis Ng