Vocation isn’t just a big word reserved for a few; it’s something we discover in our daily lives, a shared journey. Today, four young people from Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom open their hearts to share their paths of faith and transformation. Because god continues to call.
My life regarding faith was quite simple: I attended Mass every Sunday, even after my First Communion; I prayed at night and participated in some children’s activities organized by my parish. These were normal things in a family that had always been inherently Catholic and practicing.
However, I studied in secular schools where God was just a topic in an optional primary school subject. This, combined with my parents working from early morning until late at night and being present mostly on weekends, meant I lacked close role models in faith. My faith was that of a child—immature and superficial.
One year, by chance, I experienced Holy Week in a different parish. I was struck by the large number of young people and, even more, by the intensity with which they lived the celebrations. But what caught my attention the most was the closeness of the priests to them. From then on, I started attending that parish more frequently.
One day, after the Eucharist, my parents wanted to greet the priest. I remember that during the conversation, he suggested I try attending the parish youth group, Claret Joven. I took his advice and liked it. I discovered that living faith in community, surrounded by people you trust and can share with, is better.
On the day the young people in my group received Confirmation, two Pastoral Agents invited me to join the team. At that moment, I felt that this was what God wanted for me: just as I had grown in faith with Claret Joven, I could help other young people grow. If I’m writing this now, it’s thanks to those two Pastoral Agents.
Overall, Claret Joven has helped me deepen my relationship with God in a way I wouldn’t have achieved on my own. My place is in Claret Joven. And as long as this feeling burns within me, I will continue there, growing and maturing in faith with others.
Youth from YVM Fátima – Spain
My journey in this world began on 3rd September 2004. Before I was born, all medical reports indicated I was a healthy and normal child, without any abnormalities.
Therefore, it was a significant shock for my family when I was born with Spina Bifida – Myelomeningocele. To cut a long story short, my mother was told I would need to undergo several surgeries and that children with this condition usually rely on a wheelchair and face growth issues.
On the third day after birth, I was taken into surgery to close the open spinal column and prevent infections. It was then that the Hand of God manifested powerfully in my life. When I was two months old, the miracle of my life began. I believe my birth brought my mother closer to God.
Faith has always been a fundamental part of my life’s journey. My mother and I attended many retreats in Mumbai. Every year, before Palm Sunday, a 6-7 hour walking pilgrimage takes place from Marine Lines to Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Mumbai. My parents took me for the first time when I was three years old.
Our family was blessed when we emigrated to the United Kingdom in 2018.
I feel very fortunate to live in the UK because this country treats children like me with great respect and care, doing everything possible to help us lead independent lives.
Today, I stand before you, walking on my own. I sway a bit, but that’s okay. I thank God every day for giving me strength.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37
Youth from YVM Fátima – United Kingdom
YVM is a space of encounter with God and a rediscovery of myself. It’s walking alongside many other young people, spread across the world, but with dreams and purposes similar to mine. And that gives strength and meaning to my vocation.
YVM has been a constant calling from Jesus. It’s a daily ‘yes’ to cultivate my faith and ignite the hearts of many young people with God’s love and joy. From local activities to international gatherings, it’s my way of giving life through faith.
Youth from YVM Fátima – Portugal
