More than a meeting, Mariapolis 2026 has been an experience of fraternity that each participant takes with them to continue building unity in daily life.

From October 9th to 12th, Caravaca de la Cruz hosted Mariapolis 2026 under the theme "Paths of Fraternity." The warm welcome was felt from the moment of arrival in the city, with signs indicating the way to the meeting place. Throughout the event, the care and attention given to this fraternal experience was evident, creating a small city based on harmony and dialogue. The positive attitude of all participants, of different ages and backgrounds, was also apparent. The food was particularly appreciated, both for its quality and service, and for the intergenerational encounters it fostered.

At the start of each day, a child would roll the "love die," which stood prominently in the room and whose faces represented different ways of loving. Around midday, we would take a break, a pause to pray for peace. There was also a time for inner reflection, during which we could choose between the Eucharist or a shared reflection. Numerous and varied workshops and other activities took place. We heard some very profound and moving testimonies, demonstrating that fraternity is built in many different ways.

On Saturday night, we enjoyed Mosaico's show at the Thuillier Theatre, which included the group's first two songs. And on Sunday, we enjoyed a party where several people showcased their great talents. We laughed so much with the young people and their version of Cinderella!

Let's review the common thread of Mariapolis.

Encounters along the way

This connects us to the question "Who are you to me?", proposed by Margaret Karram as the theme of the year in November 2024. It's not so much about doing things as it is about changing our perspective. To love is to stop, to listen, to take the first step… And when it's reciprocal, when we are able to say "I am willing to give my life for you," a new peace arises, a contagious joy that doesn't depend on circumstances, a strength that doesn't come from within ourselves.

And what about the obstacles along the way?

Life often brings us pain. And the question we must ask ourselves is: "Am I willing to start over again every time? To be the first to love?" God doesn't test us: a father doesn't enjoy seeing us suffer. But even in suffering, we can discover a Presence. Believers recognize it in Jesus' cry on the cross. We delve into the theme of forgiveness, which is a process, an act of will that liberates us and brings peace.

Paths of peace and fraternity

We are called to be like Mary: on the move, close, attentive to the needs of others, empty of herself so that she may be filled with God. Mary shows us a possible path: to live attentive to others, to accompany them and build unity wherever we are. Mary, woman of unity. Mary, woman of peace.

Perhaps the best example that Mariapolis must be experienced can be found in the answers that different people gave to the question: "What do you take away from Mariapolis?"«

Toni: «"I've filled my backpack... now it's time to share.".

Nanni: «"The strong conviction that fraternity is deep in diversity. We are all different and we are all necessary. I cannot demand fraternity, but I can give it.".

A young man participating for the first time: «"I'm very impressed. We're all rowing in the same direction, putting aside our egos to focus on the common good.".

Two people attending for the first time:

• «"I came here blindly. A priest friend told me about Mariapolis, and said the only thing he could tell me was to come. I have felt very welcomed. You can't explain what it is, you have to experience it.".
• «"I have renewed my hope that there are people united to build a united world.".

Two people from the preparation team:

• «"We've been preparing for almost a year. It's been wonderful. We were eager to build something that will last forever (...) It's been confirmation that it's worth it. It's not a personal endeavor; all generations have worked on it.".
• «"I've discovered that I still have a long way to go to understand what unity is, but I'm happy because I know which path to take.".

Other testimonies:

• «"It has helped me to fall in love with the Ideal all over again.".
• «"It reminded me of the first Mariapolis.".
• «"I've been to several Mariapolises, some as a child. In this one, the activities and the camaraderie have been very well organized.".
• «"I have felt God through fraternity and love (...) I give thanks to the local communities.".
• «"I felt like I was with family.".

And the little ones:

• «"It has been very memorable.".
• «"I've learned to dance salsa.".

In short, we take away the dialogue, the listening, the feeling of not being judged. Now it's time to bring it into our daily lives and thus build unity, "that all may be one" (Jn 17:21).

See you at the next Mariapolis!