The collective memory of those who knew Jesus of Nazareth has transmitted to us that "he went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Wishing to follow their example, a group of young Builders of the Kingdom from Alcalá, Benifaió, Granada, Seville and Villanueva, has traveled to the municipality of Villanueva del Arzobispo to share a different week during the summer holidays. An experience of fraternity, volunteering and training, called Work Camp, organized annually by our Movement in Spain, inspired by the words of the Venerable José Gras: "To do good is to strengthen the weak."
Between July 8 and 14, young people participated in volunteering in the mornings, some with migrant people and others with people with intellectual disabilities. In the afternoons, they combined moments of training and reflection with sports, cultural and vocational activities. Day after day, the participants have been recognizing Jesus in the face of their fellow migrant, disabled, sick, elderly or child in light of the Gospel passage of Matthew 25, 31-46.
The first day, "I was thirsty", we started the experience with many questions: How thirsty is society? What thirst do I need to quench? How thirsty are there around me?… among other things, we held a mug customization workshop for an invisible companion. Tuesday was dedicated to migrant people and since morning prayer we received a replica of the Lampedusa Cross that accompanied us the entire day along with the words of Jesus: "I was a stranger". In the afternoon we analyzed typical topics about migrant people and discovered the Christian response to the reality of human displacement in Brothers All.
The third day, when we meditate on "I was naked", we learned about the work of Cáritas and the operation of its wardrobe. Furthermore, we reflect on the phenomenon of fast fashion and the throwaway culture. Thursday is the Eucharistic day par excellence, therefore, it was the day of the "I was hungry" in which we knead bread giving meaning to each ingredient with our lives and, at sunset, we worship the Lord in the Eucharist in the middle of nature.
On Friday, we reflected on "I was in jail" and we were lucky to have Juan who shared his testimony with us as a volunteer with Pastoral Penitenciaria de Jaén during
almost twenty years. That night there was a cineforum with the film “Maixabel”. On Saturday we moved to Úbeda under the theme "I was sick", There we accompany the children admitted to the San Juan de la Cruz Hospital. In the afternoon, we heal our spiritual illnesses and repair our hearts with the Sacrament of reconciliation.
Finally, Sunday «You did it with me», We were sent feeling heirs of a charisma, a legacy and a history. We receive the relic of the Venerable José Gras as a sign of our desire and commitment to «multiply the Good». We moved to Cortijos Nuevos and ended the week of fraternal coexistence sharing around the Bread and the Word next to the Camp. "Seven", giving thanks, Eucharist, for everything experienced and enriched throughout the Work Camp «With me 2024».
These different days on vacation are an opportunity to enhance the personal commitment to repair the indifference and lack of love of men, something very typical of our spirituality. For this reason, from these lines, the Movement in Spain would like to express our gratitude to so many anonymous people and institutions that have collaborated with us so that throughout these days we can "do good":
– Red Cross Immigrant Center in Villanueva del Arzobispo.
– Residence for Disabled Adults «Virgin of Fuensanta» in Villanueva del Arzobispo. – Parish Caritas in Villanueva del Arzobispo.
– Community of Dominicans of Santa Ana in Villanueva del Arzobispo.
– Municipal Area of Culture and Youth of the Hon. Villanueva del Arzobispo City Council. – Penitentiary Pastoral of the Diocese of Jaén.
– Pediatric Area at the San Juan de la Cruz Hospital in Úbeda.
– Community of Discalced Carmelites in Úbeda.
– Very Ancient and Illustrious Brotherhood of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, Santísima Virgen de los Dolores, San Juan y la Verónica in Úbeda.
