On Saturday, October 10, Mariapolis 2026 began its journey in Caravaca de la Cruz to open "Paths of fraternity", as its title proposes.
Mariapolis began with the characteristic joy of the youngest participants, who brought the whole room to life by playing with colorful balloons. Each day, before leaving to begin the simultaneous programs for children and teenagers, they roll the Dice of Love.1, which proposes the motto of the day for the entire Mariapolis.
The coordinators of the host community of Caravaca, Maricarmen Giménez and Juan Fernández, have spoken, showing Mariapolis as the mature fruit of the charism of unity that arrived in Caravaca 50 years ago and has given life to countless cultural and social actions.
In these years many have passed away and their help, which is still present, unites Heaven and Earth in a single Mariapolis for eternity.
The councillor for culture and youth and the mayor of Caravaca also greeted those present, highlighting the importance of promoting fraternity today, when, more than ever, ideologies separate people.
The topics covered so far are based on the life experience of the Movement:
- the discovery of Jesus' presence in the community; the secret that has changed the lives of millions of people around the world and
- The revealed certainty of the hidden plan of Redemption: suffering. All suffering is no longer an unfortunate episode in life: now, as a result of the abandonment and death experienced by Jesus on the Cross, and of his Resurrection, there is a light that transforms every painful event into an encounter with God. This hope extends even to the pain that arises in personal relationships and offers a tool for rebuilding human relationships: forgiveness.
One of the days began with a grand opening, celebrating the Eucharist at the Sanctuary of the Veracruz, presided over by Monsignor Lorca Planes, Bishop of the Diocese of Cartagena.
The life experiences shared by the Focolare communities throughout Spain have highlighted the fruits of openness to the needs of others. The encounter with God in suffering and the restorative power of forgiveness have been central to several moving experiences, all embraced in an atmosphere of deep listening.
The diverse range of cultural activities offers Mariapolitans the opportunity to journey along the inner path that leads to fraternity, while also enjoying a multitude of external experiences. Personal relationships, the true treasure of Mariapolis, have fostered intense exchange in spontaneous groups and during the activities themselves, creating a vast spiritual laboratory.
And, of course, there are plenty of celebrations to commemorate the joy of encountering Love on this communal journey, which will continue to be practiced for another day.
- Read more: About children and young people and Dice of Love ↩︎
