Chincha: Youth Break Barriers and Share Faith in Vivencia 2024
Under the theme “Breaking Barriers,” the 2024 edition of Vivencia was held at Santa María School on September 21st and 22nd. The event, organized by the Christian Life Movement (CLM), brought together 60 young people from various schools in Chincha for a weekend full of faith, reflection, and service.
Anchor cross with the Vivencia participants.
Our brother Julio Muriel, in charge of the organization, explained that the theme “Breaking Barriers” came from a reflection by the organizing team. “It appealed more to the experience they have of the different barriers that the world or they themselves put between them and God”, he said.
The central message of this Vivencia was: “Break down the barriers of your own heart toward God and toward the needs of others”. This message especially resonated on the second day when the youth participated in catechesis and visited families in the Lord of Miracles settlement. “We encountered difficult realities that some families are enduring, with whom we plan to organize Christmas campaigns in the coming months”.
Vivencia participants around a campfire.
This edition of Vivencia included group dynamics, moments of dialogue and reflection, games, a shared lunch, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and a bonfire.
The participants’ testimonies reflected the depth of the experience. “The experiences of dialogue and openness within the groups, and the trust and bond that formed during Vivencia were some of the most meaningful”, Julio shared.
Many of the youth on the team prepared for a month to serve as leaders, while others joined in the last days to help with logistics and infrastructure.
Participants of Vivencia in Chincha, Peru.
For Julio, one of the most important aspects of Vivencia 2024 was “sharing the life of faith that we, as CLM members, are already living with many of the boys and girls from Santa María School, who also want to pass on this faith as they prepare for the missions they will carry out in two weeks”.