Belgium. On 28 November 2024, Bryan, Paola, Inès, Marie of the Salesian Youth Movement of Belgium and Sister Anne-Flore Magnan, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians of Notre Dame des Nations (FRB) Province, spoke about the faith of young people in a podcast episode, “Young Sprouts” Radio station 1RCF Belgique.
“Young Sprouts” (Jeunes Pousses)
is a podcast run by a team of young volunteers, including Aurélie, a geologist who works with young people, with the aim of giving them a voice on topics that concern them: faith, but also ecology, culture, and music. The project offers an opportunity to pass on initiatives, share inspiring stories, and address issues that directly affect one’s own generation.
“The faith of young people: to speak freely of one’s faith” is the title of the collective book of young people of SYM published a few years ago in the wake of World Youth Day in Krakow, with the preface written by Sister Nathalie Becquart, French religious Xaverian Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, and the after word of Sister Anne-Flore Magnan.
Bryan, Paola, Inès, Marie, and Sr. Anne-Flore, talk about the choice to witness their faith on the radio.
Per Bryan: “God often speaks through others. The best way to evangelize is to reflect the Gospel in our way of being and acting. This is what prompted me to testify.”
“For this I gave my life. There is nothing more beautiful than the love of God, and it is essential to witness this love, which has changed my life. You never know what your words can sow”, says Sister Anne-Flore:
“My faith is a source of joy and I want to share it. Although it’s part of my personal life, it’s a beautiful part of my life. The testimony is also an opportunity to break down certain stereotypes”, explains Inès.
And Marie: “I accept to witness my faith because it is an integral part of my life, of my daily life. It is important to convey the values that support me, show that faith has a thousand faces and can evolve over time. By not hiding my faith, I can reach people and transmit the strength that animates me.”
The book Foi de Jeunes and this podcast offer two complementary ways of transmitting the testimonies: writing allows to put black on white, to structure the thoughts and to share the experiences in a concrete and lasting way. Spoken language, on the other hand, adds a dimension of liveliness and spontaneity. Both show that faith can be lived in many different ways.
Source: Don Bosco Aujourd’hui
