2919 AUL World Youth Day Testimony
austraLasia #2919
Catholicism and Salesianity at its very core
by
Romina Martinello, Australia
MELBOURNE:
20 September 2011 -- "I like to think of World Youth
Day as a festival of joy, where young people from every part
of the world are able to come together, to openly and
proudly celebrate their faith. For me, the most significant
faith experiences occur during moments where we become
linked to other young people, not through language or
particular interests or talents, but by the common thread
that runs through us all; our Catholic faith. It may be
whilst singing a song, saying a prayer or even playing a
game. The love and passion for life that is spread via this
common thread is incredibly moving.
In particular, it is the
uniquely Salesian sense of fun that I find truly inspiring.
Upon meeting young Salesians from all over the world, the
strength and unity of Salesianity became very obvious to me.
Although I was unable to physically converse with many of
the pilgrims that I met, I felt as if words were almost
entirely unnecessary. We were able to understand each other
through simple actions of dancing, singing and laughing
together. Through encounters such as these, I felt as if I
had experienced not only Catholicism but also Salesianity at
its very core. The values that link us as a global community
are contagious; they are caught, not taught.
On a personal level, these
experiences highlight and reinforce the importance of living
as a witness to the gospel through every aspect of our
lives. The events and encounters in Madrid serve as evidence
as to how the message of Jesus is not only relevant, but of
vital importance to the lives of young people, particularly
in our world today. As a Salesian young person, I feel
empowered by the joy and goodness that I was able to be a
part of, which leaves me with a strong desire to positively
influence society through living Jesus’ message of love in
all that I do".
Romina Martiniello is a Salesian past pupil from Salesian
College, Sunbury, near Melbourne, and is one of the
Delegates for the Salesian Youth Movement Mini-Forum, WYD
2011.
