By: Marisol Becerra
Province Youth Ministry Office Assistant

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Last Thursday, September 24th, 20 plus young adults gathered for the Salesian Young Adult Prayer Night. There were moments of joy, laughter, and prayer. The theme of this night was called “Navigating a Pandemic: A Conversation about Self-Care, Resilience, and Inspiration.” This current crisis has brought anxiety, stress, and worry among our society and reflecting on self care and resilience proved to be a very relevant topic.The night began with prayer by creating an origami boat and reflecting on Mark 4:38-41, specifically where it states, “He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still! The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” 

As young adults we reflected on the obstacles that we have faced daily in dealing with this crisis and being reminded that Jesus is not blind to what is happening in our world today, but instead, that he is in our midst calming our storms. We had an opportunity to write down specific intentions on the boats we created. All of the origami boats were different and they symbolically represented how we are all on different journeys sailing to the same destination. After this prayer we had a discussion in small groups about our own personal experiences and obstacles that we have faced in the last few months. These moments of deep conversation, provided connection and community. After sharing, we wrapped up the night with prayer and a Salesian Goodnight by Fr. Fabian Cardenas, the Province Youth Ministry Delegate. This night brought the Salesian Youth Movement together from all over the world and it reminded us that we never suffer alone, and we have a God who sees us, and meets us exactly where we are at, to provide us with his peace and hope.