On Saturday, April 18, 2026, something special happened at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. More than three hundred young people from various Christian communities in the Perote Deanery gathered for an experience that would mark their lives. Under the warm embrace of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in the Amado Nervo neighborhood, these young men and women discovered that faith isn't just something lived privately, but a force that compels us to reach out to others.
From early morning, the atmosphere filled with energy and hope. You could feel the contagious joy of those arriving with different expectations: some seeking answers, others simply wanting to share with friends, and many longing to deepen their relationship with God. The beautiful thing was that everyone found something more than they expected: they found community, they found purpose, and they found a concrete way to live out the Gospel.
This gathering wasn't accidental. It took place within the framework of the year dedicated to Social Ministry, a time when the universal Church invites us to look with special attention at the needs of those around us. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us in his early teachings, "Charity isn't an abstract feeling, but hands that get dirty out of love for neighbor." And that's precisely what these young people experienced: a charity that becomes tangible.
The Good Samaritan: More Than Just a Story
The central theme of the gathering was "The Good Samaritan," that parable Jesus told that we find in Luke's Gospel. But here it wasn't just about remembering a nice story, but discovering its transformative power for our daily lives. The young people delved into what it really means to "see" the one who suffers, "approach" with compassion, and "care" without expecting anything in return.
"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him" (Luke 10:33-34, NIV).
During the activities and reflections, participants discovered that the Samaritan in the parable could be any of us today. It could be that classmate going through a difficult time, that elderly neighbor who needs help with groceries, or that family facing financial needs. The invitation is clear: don't pass by, but stop and do something concrete.
One of the most significant moments was when each young person brought a kilogram of aid for Caritas. It wasn't simply about bringing a package, but a conscious gesture of solidarity. As they placed their donations, you could see on their faces the understanding that faith expresses itself in actions. As James says in his letter: "Faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26, NIV). Those provisions would become food for families, medicine for the sick, hope for those who need it most.
Service as a Path of Growth
Many think that serving is something we do for others, but in reality it's a path of personal growth. The young people who participated in this gathering experienced precisely this: by thinking of others, they discovered new dimensions of their own faith. Service takes us out of our small world and connects us with the broader reality of community.
The organizers prepared practical workshops where participants learned about emotional first aid, active listening, and basic accompaniment. It wasn't about becoming experts, but acquiring simple tools to be better prepared when someone beside us needs a helping hand. As St. Francis of Assisi said: "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words."
Comments