We are a movement, with "Jesus in the midst." This was precisely the theme of the special two day celebration, “Weekend of the Spirit”, the annual spiritual retreat for young people organized by the directors of youth ministry of the Province of Southern held in Benevento, on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, at The Peace Center of the Focolarini. And, in fact, everything moved around Jesus at the center: dynamics, songs, prayers presented by the various parish groups from Barletta, Ceglie del Campo, Margherita di Savoia, Solofra and elsewhere as well. And the beautiful musical on the Passion performed by the young people from Margherita di Savoia.
Youth who sing, shout and celebrate, in a joyful, happy, and supercharged climate beginning the evening of February 23, at the Center in Benevento. The number of young people in attendance had doubled in number with the number of those who were expected to come - 160 instead of 80. Fr. Francesco Russo, the Province Director of Youth Ministry (YM), started things off, and then invited to join in the launching of the celebration were Fr. Ferdinando Pentrella, the Provincial, and Fr. Brian Crawford, the General Director of youth ministry. He said: “I cannot bring you greetings from the Superior General, Fr. Michele Piscopo, because he is here with us ...". Father Michele went up on the stage to direct the opening prayer. Jesus at the center of our community and our lives. If in the many cultures in the world young people could express themselves with the ease and spontaneity of this room where they are present, and if they could find Oblates dedicated to direct and enliven everything, then we will be a movement, a great movement. Attached are some photos - look so as to believe - the weekend of the Spirit goes on even to day.
There were also two moments of reflection led by the Focolarini, with the testimonies of young people, adults and children to deepen the theme of Jesus' presence in our midst. Jesus walks alongside the disciples of Emmaus who do not recognize him until the breaking of bread, but they themselves say: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us” (Lk 24:32). This living presence of Jesus makes hearts burn and creates unity and communion. “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are" (Jn 17:11), so prayed Jesus shortly before he died for our salvation, expressing this desire the Father that all may be one, like him, the Spirit and the Father. A great mystery of love.

But if the presence of Jesus in our midst brings peace, joy, unity, deep communion, love, during the retreat we asked ourselves how to make this present, how to produce it. "Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in their midst” is the response that Jesus gives. Then we need to multiply the meetings where we talk about Jesus, cenacles of prayer, the mutual promises of fidelity to the Father's love and commitment to become imitators of Christ, ready to love to the point of giving their lives for one another . These were points for reflection which involve the practical life of each one in small daily choices.
Brother Vincenzo Grossano and Brother Nico Reale presented a video entitled "Workshop on Faith" where through the testimonies of lay people and religious they were able to tap the experiences and daily difficulties of the various vocational paths, able to be overcome only by putting Jesus at the centre of one’s life. After there was sharing and dialogue in pairs and then in groups. To conclude this wonderful experience there was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Superior General, Father Michele Piscopo, during which brother Nico received the ministry of Lector. "Ministry means service”, Father Michele said, “and Ministry of Lector means to serve others by conveying the true face of Jesus, that is through his Word, otherwise we deceive ourselves saying we know him."
Friendship, meetings, and sharings fuelled this atmosphere of celebration and prayer in preparation for the Easter Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.