On the Alpe del Nevegal in the Dolomites, at an altitude of about 1,000 metres, the National Congress of Pathfinders (16-21 years), entitled 'Avventati' (Bold) took place. From 7 to 10 December, one hundred and twenty-two adventurous teenagers, along with us staff, had a unique experience, strengthened bonds, built new relationships, and intensified our communion with God.
The spiritual guest was Past. Luca Faedda, coordinator of the Adventist Youth Ministries (Mag) in the churches of central Italy. His reflections, delivered with passion, eloquence and emotion, touched the hearts of us all. Past. Faedda presented the vulnerabilities of some characters in the Bible (Nicodemus, the disciples, Mary Magdalene, and Jesus Christ), his own vulnerabilities, and those of others he has known or 'studied' in the past. Despite bad circumstances, human limitations, flaws and weaknesses, these people, out of love for God or neighbour, or an ideal, have 'ventured' to act, transmit and promote goodness, justice, acceptance, love, friendship, altruism, etc. Songs of praise and group prayers accompanied the beginning and end of the reflections.
There was no shortage of socio-recreational activities: group dynamics, games in the snow, treasure hunts in stages, and, especially, family groups (12 groups of boys and girls). In these groups, some activities were shared to continue reflecting on the topics that Past. Faedda was proposing, such as questions on how to be witnesses of God and how to bring the gospel to people, identifying the skills and abilities of some people who have done good in society. During the spiritual dinner on Friday evening, we shared our vulnerabilities, how we have overcome them, and how we live with them. The activity continued on Saturday afternoon with the "art of the reckless" modelled on paintings and photos.
The National Mag Department thanked all the young people who participated in the congress, proving themselves as they are: bold!
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