Last December, two leaders of the youth sector of Catholic Action in Malta, ŻAK, and an Ecclesiastical Assistant of an adult group of Catholic Action in Malta (AKM), participated in a national conference for educators and animators organized by the Italian Catholic Action. The aim of this conference, entitled Verso l’Alto (‘Upwards), was to provide formation to leaders who care for various age groups in the organization (from children to adults) in order to make educational choices that are faithful to the Gospel and to life.
This conference was spread over a weekend in Riccione, Italy, and there were various contributions including interventions by professionals in fields related to the topics discussed, for example those involved in research on young people, sharing of best practices by various leaders of Catholic Action on broad and varied themes, as well as moments of reflection, prayer and Masses.
In the words of Fr Noel Borg, “it was a very beautiful experience that filled me with courage. I was filled with courage by the beautiful attendance of many young people.” It is worth noting that around 1,600 leaders and animators attended this conference.. For Fr Noel this “shows a Church alive and full of energy. This gives me hope for the future.” Hope in a world where sometimes it makes us believe that there is no longer any good left. But in moments like these, seeing 1,600 people of all ages, ready to give themselves with commitment and sacrifice for others, fills you with courage and motivation. Not only that, but these volunteers are taking the commitment to continue learning together on how they can continue to better serve those people they have been entrusted with.
In the spirit of synodality and Ġrew Flimkien, Dean Galea, a young leader, made another observation that is worth taking note of: “This conference gave me a strong sense of the great need that exists among young people; to be listened to, accompanied and more adapted to them”.
